POLICE are trying to prevent computer game consoles being such a lucrative item for burglars.

Sergeant Neil Wilkinson is staging a security coding session at Darwen police station after concerns over the amount of X Boxes, Playstations and Gameboys being stolen.

During the day on Monday, a burglar stole £1,400 of equipment, including a Playstation Two with 11 games and a Gameboy Advance after breaking into a house in Procras Street, Darwen.

Many more of the machines have been stolen in the past couple of months in the Darwen area.

Sgt Wilkinson said something extra now had to be done to deter the criminals because the problem was worsening.

"These items still sell for £60 second-hand even though they cost about £200, new so they are very lucrative for burglars," he said.

"We are doing the property marking initiative so that the items cannot be sold on as easily, and so if we recover them we know who the owner is."

Sgt Wilkinson said the machines' appearance would not be damaged by the security code.

The session runs on May 12 from noon to 4pm. Anyone wanting more information the scheme should call Sgt Wilkinson on 01254 353 844.