CRIMINALS are travelling from as far afield as Bristol and Glasgow for 'rich pickings' in the Ribble Valley, a police boss has revealed.

Inspector Bob Ford of Clitheroe police is calling on householders to join the battle against the intruders.

Measures to tackle the problem were outlined in the Ribble Valley Crime and Disorder Strategy. Residents are asked to be extra vigilant and take a note of the registration numbers of suspicious vehicles.

Insp Ford said the Ribble Valley was a much sought-after location for affluent families because of its picturesque countryside and proximity to the city of Manchester and the major Lancashire towns.

He added: "The days are gone when you could leave your house door open and car keys in the ignition. Criminals from as far as Bristol and Glasgow, as well as Manchester and Liverpool, are prepared to travel to the Ribble Valley for what they see as rich pickings."

Theft of and from vehicles and agricultural machinery are the area's biggest problem, as well as rare stone and garden features. One gang recently syphoned 450 gallons of diesel from vehicles parked at a haulage company, but we caught them red-handed.

"The thieves will often target agricultural machinery. For example, during the foot and mouth outbreak there was a rush of thefts of power washers from farm buildings. They cost £2,000 each.

"Crime trends are changing all the time and policing this area is doubly difficult, because it is so geographically big.

"We are conducting spot checks in key places, but this is such a large area that we need the help of the general public.

"We are asking people to be extra vigilant, by jotting down the registration numbers of suspicious vehicles.

"We have a supportive community and even allowing for travelling criminals, the Ribble Valley still has a low crime rate."