POLICE are appealing to the public to help them catch a gang of 'determined' burglars who made five house raids in a village.

Four households in Pasturelands Drive and one in Billington Gardens, Billington, were targeted by the criminals who stole a variety of valuables, including a gold and diamond ring worth £200.

The burglaries took place between 3am and 5.45am last Friday.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Clitheroe police, said he hoped members of the public would know something about the crimes, or may have seen them being committed, as the five break-ins were carried out in a small area.

Insp Ford said: "They were unusual as some were sneak-in burglaries where the doors of some properties had been left insecure.

"But even if the houses have been locked they have made a determined effort to break in.

"We would like to hear from anyone who might have seen anything as it is such a confined area."

Other items stolen include a purse, a bag, mobile phones and passports.

Insp Ford added: "Some of the victims were in their seventies.

"Even if the amount stolen was not a great deal, it is still a total invasion of privacy and very disturbing for anybody."

Anyone with any information should call Clitheroe police on 01200 443344 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.