RESIDENTS in Rossendale are being warned about a team of burglars who are targeting unlocked properties in the valley.

Police are now urging home owners to take more security measures following a spate of incidents.

According to police burglaries have rocketed in the last three weeks with around 15 homes being targeted in the Rawtenstall and Haslingden areas.

Police believe the same team have been operating in Ramsbottom previously.

Sergeant Colin Hudson said thieves are having an "easy ride" because people are leaving their doors and windows unlocked.

Sgt Hudson said: "We know there is a team currently operating in this area. Residents are giving thieves an easy ride because they don't even have to make any effort to gain access to the property.

"We usually have a surge with this kind of incident when it becomes nice weather because people leave their doors and windows insecure.

"These thieves are striking all hours, day and night. For instance thieves struck at one home while the owner was in the back garden hanging out her washing."

The latest sneak-in-theft happened early Monday morning in Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth, when thieves gained access through a ground-floor window.

Sgt Hudson said: "This incident is just one of the latest to happen over the past three weeks which we are not happy about.

"We want people to be aware of what is going on so they can act and become more security conscious."

Police advise residents to:

Keep all ground floor-level windows locked.

Make sure higher-level windows are away from drain pipes or outbuildings .

Ensure doors are locked, even during the day.