POLICE in Accrington are hunting a gang of burglars who are targeting town-centre shops.

And officers investigating the thieves have urged shop owners to ensure they do not leave cash on the premises following another spate of town-centre break-ins at the weekend.

Police are linking the recent raids to similar break-ins at the beginning of the month in the Abbey Street area of the town.

And the latest burglaries have surprised the team investigating the incidents because they happened at a time when the town centre is busy with weekend revellers.

Music Box in Whalley Road, Shelley's nail salon in Water Street and Mannings in Peel Street, all in the same area of town around Eastgate, were targeted in the latest raids overnight on Friday.

The thieves emptied charity boxes in Mannings but nothing was taken from Music Box or Shelley's.

Sergeant Mark Porter of Accrington police said: "We had a spate of burglaries in the town centre a few weeks ago. We made sure that our patrols paid attention to that area.

"It's interesting to note that these latest burglaries have taken place on a busy night of the week, Friday, when there is a lot of activity.

"The burglary team has been looking at the break-ins that we have had previously and they will take this on and see if there are any similarities to them.

Frank Birtwhistle, vice-president of the Chamber of Trade and owner of Art and Play Supplies in Bank Street, has urged all shopkeepers to review their security.

He said: "My shop was targeted two weeks ago. They didn't gain access but ripped the back gate off its hinges. It looked to me as if it may have been children but who knows.

"I think most properties are alarmed now but I would advise shop keepers and small business to review their security. They can put grills or meshing on the front window and also make sure front and back doors are double locked. It's important that cash is not left on the premises. I think that is as much as you can do really."

Brian Gooby, joint owner of Music Box, said: "I think they are just after any cash or any other things knocking around around but they didn't touch anything because the alarm went off.

"Whoever it was came in through a window at the back of the shop and to get to that window they would have had to get through a very narrow gap that is very hard to get through, I don't know how they did it.

"We have had quite a few break ins over the years but nothing major. There was smash and grab a couple of years ago when someone stole a £700 banjo from the shop window.

"Our security has always been pretty good but we are looking at ways we can improve it."

Sgt Porter added: "In some places the burglars have managed to get larger quantities of money than others.

"The message is quite simple, don't leave money or large quantities of money in the shop overnight, and think of leaving the till open to show them there's nothing there."

For crime prevention advice contact the police station on 01254 382141.