POLICE are warning Darwen residents to keep their garages secure after two burglaries.

Raiders targeted an unlocked garage in Hartington Road between Sunday morning and Monday night and made off with £700 worth of gardening equipment, including drills and a Black and Decker hedge-trimmer.

Around the same period, a garage in Bury Street was burgled and diving equipment and garden tools worth £1,100 stolen. Items included a petrol strimmer, diving undersuit and two breathing regulators.

DC John Entwistle of Darwen CID said: "We would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has been offered similar equipment in recent days.

"Residents should make sure their garages are secure at all times and not left open for opportunists."

Anyone with information should contact Darwen police on 01254 353842.