CAR crime has fallen in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale but police have warned against complacency.

A recent crackdown on car crime has netted dozens of suspected car thieves and led to a five per cent reduction in the number of offences committed, but police said motorists still need to look after their vehicles.

Officers said a mixture of good arrests, covert surveillance -- including the use of 'rat trap' cars -- and increased public awareness had helped to record a fall in crime levels but are urging the public to remain on their guard against car thieves.

Superintendent Steve Hartley said: "We are doing all we can to target thieves and have made a number of good arrests over the past few weeks -- in some cases literally catching thieves red-handed.

"Some of these offenders are suspected of carrying out a significant number of crimes so we are particularly pleased to have caught up with them.

"However, continued support from the public is vital if we are to drive crime levels down further.

"In particular, we need people to ensure that their vehicles are parked securely and with no valuable items left on view. The second point is very important because even if your car is locked and alarmed, it is still at risk if there are valuables on view.

"If a thief spots tools, a mobile phone, bag or jacket, he or she will simply break the window to get at it, so our advice is leave nothing to chance -- remove all items from view."

And on the subject of car crime criminals, Superintendent Hartley had this message: "If you are currently engaged in vehicle crime then it is only a matter of time before we catch up with you.

"We have undercover officers and rat trap vehicles deployed across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale so there is a real risk that you will be caught."