A SPATE of thefts from cars outside pubs and restaurants has forced detectives in Colne to issue a warning keep valuables out of sight.

In recent weeks, police have dealt with a number of thefts from cars. Radios, CD players and personal belongings have been stolen.

In many cases, items were left on full display, and this is thought to be prompting opportunist thieves. In some cases, the value of property left in the cars has amounted to thousands of pounds.

A spokesman for Colne CID said: "If something valuable is left in full view, then the chances of a car being broken into are increased significantly.

"These thefts can be carried out very quickly, it may only be a matter of breaking a window.

"Just keeping things well hidden can prevent a robbery taking place in the first place."