AN intruder got into four houses - three of which were unlocked - in the Priory Drive area of Darwen.

The crook was disturbed by the owners at houses in Highfield Mews at 3.50am, Rectory Road at 4am, and Marsh House Lane at 4.20am. He also entered a house in Nave Close between midnight and 7.15am by smashing a window.

Det Sgt Mark Rothwell, of Darwen CID, said: "I would urge people to lock their front doors particularly in the early hours. This is clearly a person with enough brass to walk up driveways until he finds a house open."

The man was last seen fleeing up Marsh House Lane. The raids happened last Tuesday. He was in his 20s, about 5ft 9in and wore a black woollen hat and black hooded jacket. He possibly had a goatee beard.

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