POLICE have issued a warning to people to look out for anyone selling cheap central heating or combination boilers.

The warning comes after a series of thefts from properties which are either empty or being renovated in Darwen.

Since the turn of the year there have been five thefts at different houses, with more than £4,000-worth of boilers and radiators stolen.

So far offences have occurred at;

Ivinson Road, Darwen. A central heating boiler and seven radiators worth £2,000 were taken.

Heys Lane, Darwen. A combination boiler worth £1,000 was stolen.

Bank Street, Darwen. A combination boiler worth £700 was taken sometime between December 4 and January 22.

Ash Grove, Darwen. A combination boiler and a number of radiators worth £200 were taken.

Hollin Grove Street, Darwen. A combination boiler was taken.

Det Sgt Neil Hunter of Darwen CID said anyone offered cheap central heating should contact the police.

He said: "It may be the case that someone offers cheap central heating in the pub or there may be a small advert placed on a noticeboard somewhere, but I would ask anyone offered boilers from an individual rather than a company to come forward.

"These thefts are a growing problem and are causing workmen to delay building schemes.

"Boilers are not exactly a common item taken in thefts so there is a likelihood they will be sold on the black market."