POLICE today issued a warning for motorists to be on their guard against a gang of three car thieves who are targeting expensive vehicles.

Officers believe the gang could be travelling from a neighbouring town to Darwen after the third theft in as many days.

An Audi A4, registered P4 DYS, was taken from Ryescost Lane, Belmont at 3am yesterday.

The car was stolen after a group managed to locate the car keys which were left within sight of the front door.

They smashed a glass panel in the front door, alerting the homeowner who went out to investigate.

But his car was gone by the time he reached downstairs.

Overnight on Wednesday a Vauxhall Vectra, registered Y422 NMB, was stolen from Spring Meadows after they keys were 'fished' from inside a house.

Then the gang had used a two pieces of garden cane and a car aerial to construct a fishing rod.

Another car was stolen earlier in similar circumstances on Tuesday.

Sergeant Alice Knowles said that they had a lead on a gang in connection with the thefts and appealed for information from the public.

She also reiterated an appeal for people not to leave keys within sight of a front door.

Call Darwen police on 01254 701777 or Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111.