THE owner of an animal sanctuary is to step up security at her home amid fears of continuing catnapping.

Eunice Faulkner, who runs the Blackburn Cat Rescue, is considering alarming her premises after receiving 20 reports of missing cats since the New Year.

Eunice raised the alarm ten days ago after five moggiesdisappeared in one weekend from the Feniscowles area of Blackburn.

The devoted cat-lover has since learned of two more disappearances from Feniscowles and three from Abbey Village, near Chorley, and said she fears the cats are being stolen for their fur.

She said: "I've spoken to someone about the possibility of alarming the house. With a lot of local animal sanctuaries being shut because of the foot and mouth I am being inundated with animals and I'm worried that a lot of cats are still going missing.

"I have handed out my address to a number of people who said they want a cat and who haven't turned up. It makes me think they are on the look out.

"I was worried when I first heard of the disappearances but it doesn't seem to be stopping. It seems strange how they are all tabbies that are going missing.

"If people were using them for dog baiting they wouldn't usually be bothered what colour they are so they are probably using them for their fur. "It's really sad. If they are doing it for the money they would be better returning the pets to the owners who would be prepared to offer a reward for their safe return."

Eunice urged pet owners to keep their cats indoors and said: "I know it's difficult for people to keep cats inside because some are very outdoor cats but I would warn people to be on their guard because there doesn't seem to be any stopping the people who are doing this."

Police confirmed they are investigating the incidents.