A GANG of youths is believed to be behind a series of raids in three streets.

The three youths, aged about 14, made off with £1,000 worth of goods and terrified one resident in their two-day spree in Inverness Road, Greenway Street and Lightbown Street in Darwen.

Police believe the same youths are responsible for all three cases as they attempted to burgle the houses in the same way.

In the latest incident in Inverness Road, the youths were disturbed by a resident and made off empty handed.

They forced the rear window of the terraced house and were in the process of removing a wind chime when they were disturbed.

In Lightbown Street they made off with £1,000 worth of jewellery, clothes and cash after forcing a French style rear window open.

They then headed off to nearby Greenway Street and attempted to burgle a second terraced house by prising open a UVC window.

Detective Constable John Entwistle said today: "The method of entry in these crimes is substantially similar and leads us to believe that we could well be looking for the same group of people.

"There is a core group of thieves in operation in Darwen and we are doing everything we can to catch these criminals."

One of the youths is said to be white, around 5ft 2in tall, with shaved hair at the back and of medium to stocky build. He was wearing a dark track suit and white trainers.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with more information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353842.