POLICE are planning a major crime initiative to coincide with the celebration of religious festivals in Lancashire.

The Navratri and Diwali festivals attract revellers from all over the country but police are worried that, in the past, they have also attracted thieves.

And they intend to run a high-profile leaflet and poster campaign in the run-up to the festivals urging vigilance and care among the Hindu community.

Mahesh Navekar, crime reduction officer based at the Lancashire Constabulary HQ in Hutton, said the jewellery traditionally worn by revellers is the magnet for the thieves.

In partnership with the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime they will be producing crime prevention literature urging people to protect their valuables during the festive season.

"The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and help reduce the risk of celebrations turning into distressing losses," said Mr Navekar.

The key crime prevention messages are:

Keep jewellery covered when out of doors, photograph each item of jewellery to help police identify it if it is stolen and buy a small safe to keep at home.

Do not carry expensive cameras in plain sight.

Remember to lock doors and windows when leaving the home; use time switches to turn lights on and off when you are away and install a burglar alarm.

Do not leave valuables on view in parked cars and park in well lit areas. Keep mobiles covered when in public.

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you see anything suspicious.

Members of the Hindu community have been involved in the design of posters and leaflets which will be printed in both English and Gujarati. Community centres and local business will work with the police in distributing and displaying the literature. There will also be a door-to-door leaflet drop with the Samaj Deep magazine which is distributed by the Gujarat Hindu Society to many Hindu homes.

This years Navratri festival takes place between October 7 and 15 and the Diwali festival will be celebrated on November 4 and 5.