MOTORISTS are warned to be vigilant after police revealed a gang was targeting rural villages and stealing cars to order.

Officers think around 15 vehicles stolen from the Darwen area in the past three months were taken by the same gang.

They also suspect many of the stolen vehicles are being supplied to taxi drivers in the Middle East, or for people to make 'alcohol runs' across the English Channel to France.

Each car has been stolen after keys were left in the ignition. Police believe motorists maybe being followed until the thieves see a chance.

They are striking at either around 7am or between 2 and 4pm. Vehicles targeted are estate cars, which police suspect are for the taxi drivers, or vans for the alcohol runs.

In Edgworth, there have been five such car thefts. PC Phil Stevenson said many people in the village were too trusting when they parked to go into a shop, often leaving the keys behind.

A poster is being placed in every shop in the village advising motorists of the risks, as well as high visibility police patrols through Bolton Road. There have also been thefts from the rural areas of Darwen and Belmont, as well as further afield in Tottington and Bradshaw. Police in Darwen are sharing intelligence with officers from other forces.

PC Stevenson, rural beat officer for Edgworth, said: "It appears the thieves have been following people around. They are watching for that 20-second window of opportunity. People leave the keys in the ignition and pop into a shop and think it won't happen to them. They think they will only be gone for 10 seconds, but that usually turns into 30 seconds. People should not leave the keys in the car.

"The theory is that the estate-type vehicles are suitable as taxis in Middle Eastern countries, while the vans are used in alcohol runs across the Channel because, if someone gets caught in customs, they won't be losing their own van."

PC Stevenson said police had two possible sightings and one description of a white male, aged 20 to 30, with dark hair. Anyone with information should call Darwen police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.