ELDERLY people are warned to be more vigilant against thieves after a pensioner had a precious locket stolen.

Police in Darwen are urging people to remove keys from doors, keep windows locked and not to give anyone access to their homes who they do not know.

The warning came after two similar incidents in Lynwood Avenue on Wednesday which police believe were committed by the same person. In a third incident, a pensioner was conned by two teenagers.

DC Mussarat Khan said: "In both cases in Lynwood Avenue the offender prised open a kitchen window which wasn't locked to get into the house and simply unlocked the kitchen door to get out because the keys had been left in the lock."

In the first incident, which occurred between 9.30pm on Tuesday and 7am on Wednesday, a 65-year-old woman had her purse containing a Visa card and an M&S card stolen and a ladies' gold ring stolen.

But the most heartbreaking moment was when she discovered her gold locket holding a photograph of her late husband and a lock of hair had also been stolen.

DC Khan said: "The lady is very upset. It's a horrible thing to have done and we would appeal to whoever has the locket to return it as it is of sentimental value to her."

She was asleep upstairs while the thief searched the kitchen and living room.

The second burglary took place further down the street between midnight and 4.25am. The thief was disturbed by the 57-year-old man who lived there, who had heard noises downstairs.

DC Khan said: "The man went downstairs and called the police. The police turned up and the offender ran off towards allotments off Monton Road."

He is described as 5ft 10in to 6ft, of medium build and wearing dark trousers, a black jumper and black bobble hat.

Two girls also approached a house in Harwood Street on Sunday, between 12.45pm and 1.30pm, while the 67-year-old owner was sitting outside in the sun.

They asked him if he could get their football from his back yard. While he was at the back they went in and took his wallet, cash and a cheque book.

One girl is described as 5ft 2in, around 15 years old, with short dark hair and wearing a black jacket with a white top underneath. The second girl was a similar age and 5ft 6in. Anyone with information should contact DC Khan on 01254 353842.