POLICE investigating two similar burglaries in which house alarms were tampered with have said they believe thieves have struck a third time.

Inquiries were already under way into two burglaries in Knowlesly Road, Darwen, and Crown Gardens, Edgworth, last week in which more than £2,000 of property was stolen.

It has now been revealed that another house in Hesketh Close, near to Knowlesly Road, was also broken into after an alarm was tampered with.

The burglary was discovered by the homeowner on Friday when he returned from holiday.

Bank and store cards, a Vivitar digital camera and jewellery including a Waltham silver pocket watch and an opal and garnet ring worth £900 were stolen.

Detective Sergeant Paul Rothwell said: "We want to hear from anyone who has seen someone acting suspiciously on Hesketh Close. We are looking at the possibility that this burglary is linked to the other two in the area."

Anyone with information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353841 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.