A POLICE roadshow offering advice on crime prevention, home security and property marking is to tour the Ribble Valley over the summer months.

The roadshow, organised by Ribble Valley crime prevention officer Peter Wareing, will visit 28 villages.

He said: "Travelling criminals, people who live outside the Ribble Valley but come here to commit crime, are a major problem. The theft of garden machinery, plant and other general equipment is rife.

"Most of the stolen items are unidentifiable and very little is recovered. Experience shows that overtly marked property is much less likely to be stolen, simply because it is difficult to dispose of.

"As part of an action plan to tackle travelling criminals, a series of property marking and crime Prevention surgeries will take place throughout the summer. We hope householders will bring property to be postcoded and seek advice. Crime prevention home visits can also be organised."

The next surgeries are in Downham on May 29, from 5 to 8pm in the Assheton Arms car park; Gisburn on June 1, from 9am to noon in Traveller's Court; Bolton-by-Bowland on June 2, from 1 to 4pm in Main Street.

Do-it-yourself marking kits are also available for loan from Clitheroe Library and Clitheroe Town Council.

For further details ring PC Wareing on 01200 458711.