FIREFIGHTERS today pleaded with terrified crime victims not to risk their lives by over-securing their homes.

After nine burglaries in just over a week in the Sunnyhurst area of Darwen, police sent extra officers in high visibility uniforms or plain clothes to patrol the area.

Now some of the homeowners have told Victim Support officers who have visited them since the break-ins, that they plan to put locks on doors inside their houses to feel more secure.

But firefighters said this measure could be fatal and prevent people escaping if there was a fire.

Earlier this month, an elderly couple died in a blaze in their Manchester home after internal locks prevented their escape.

John Taylor, press officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "They never had a chance of getting out. We sympathise with people's concern for safety after break-ins, but steps have to be considered in case you ever have a fire.

"Locking doors conflicts with what we advise for escape routes. If you are locking your doors, the chances are you are not always going to get out quickly. If you lock the doors, make sure everybody in the house knows where the keys are. People should also think of how they escape. You have got to think of alternative routes.

"It may be safer to remain in a room away from a fire, and it is a good idea to have a mobile phone or a telephone in the bedroom so you can call for assistance."

Sgt Neil Wilkinson, of Darwen police, said internal security usually proved futile.

"Once someone is inside the property, they will smash the doors anyway," he said. "People should look to external security long before internal security. These are things like external lights, decent locks on the doors, or bolts on them. These measures will help keep people out."

A spokesperson for Victim Support said: "We would like to draw attention to the potential dangers of internal locks in deterring intruders after the recent fire in which two aged persons were killed.

"The need for internal security is a deterrent, but this should be balanced against the need for personal welfare and safety."

Firefighters at Darwen fire station are available to give free safety checks to anyone in the town concerned. Anyone interested should call 01254 702 288.

Police have arrested five youths in connection with the Sunnyhurst burglaries.