POLICE in the Ribble Valley are appealing for information after a spate of thefts in the area.

Inspector Bob Ford at Clitheroe Police today issued the registration number of a white Ford Transit van and warned residents to beware of a male and female couple seen in the vicinity of the thefts.

Mr Ford said over the past couple weeks a rise had been reported in thefts of garden equipment -- which he suspects is then sold on -- from sheds and lock-ups at night or in the early hours.

But he added thieves have struck at every available opportunity.

He said: "There was an incident in Read recently when thieves struck when a women cutting her lawn went inside for a cup of tea. A lot of these incidents are happening during the day and there is certainly some suggestion that these thefts are being committed by the same people."

The white van seen in the area has the registration R120 UCW -- which police said is false for that particular vehicle. A man and a woman have been seen driving the van and Mr Ford said people should be vigilant.

He said: "The vehicle has been seen before the thefts and it would seem they may be gathering information.

"We need people to inform us as soon as they see this van in the area or have any other information."

Mr Ford urged residents to make sure their property is secured and items such as lawnmowers are properly marked with name, address and post code to prevent them being sold on.

If anybody has any information they should contact Clitheroe Police on 01200 458734 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.