A PATTERN of break-ins is emerging around the Ivinson Road and Holden Fold area of Darwen, police have warned -- and extra patrols are to be put on to try to combat the problem.

The latest house to be targeted was in Ivinson Road when would-be burglars broke a ground-floor window on Wednesday night to get into the premises at 10.10pm.

The break-in was foiled as the householders were inside the house and the offenders fled empty-handed.

Sgt Andrea Bradbury of Darwen police said there was starting to be a pattern to the break-in of houses and sheds in the area.

She said if anybody saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area they should contact the police. She added: "We will be putting on extra patrols in the area."

Recent break-ins include goods being taken from a house in Holden Fold on Tuesday.

The burglars took the goods in the daytime and a wardrobe and chest of drawers were among the haul stolen. Cash from a television meter was taken from a house in Ivinson Road overnight on Monday.

Goods worth £2,400 were also taken from a house and outbuildings in Ivinson Road earlier this week. A child's purple mountain bike, Sanyo television set and Kenwood Hi-fi were among the items taken.

And last Friday two children's BMX bikes and micro-scooters were stolen from a shed in Holden Fold. The shed was broken into sometime in the evening.

Anyone who thinks they might know who is responsible for these crimes should contact Sgt Bradbury at Darwen police on 701777 or ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.