Police are appealing for information following a "very unusual" daylight car crime spree in Chorley this week.

Chorley Police have revealed that a group of vehicles had been broken into on premises at Ackhurst Industrial Estate.

The incident on Monday between 10am and noon was described as opportunist rather than targeted.

Police have urged motorists to be vigilant and careful in the run up to Christmas as thieves prey on vehicles containing festive gifts.

Five employees' vehicles were raided, with a total of more than £750 worth of property taken.

In one incident, at the rear of Tesco, a red Micra had its JVC stereo and CDs taken, total value £165.

In a second, a Ruttle Plant Hire worker had their Sony flip front CD stereo and CDs taken, together worth £300. And three NIS Invotel employees suffered break-ins to their vehicles.

One had a Sony CD player worth £100 stolen; another was targeted, with the thieves escaping with a JVC CD stereo and six bottles of wine worth £200; and one was raided and £5 stolen.

Most were broken into by having windows smashed, said police.

Inspector Ian Roberts, of Chorley Police, said: "There was nothing subtle and it would have been very noisy. We are appealing for anyone who works in the area or may have seen something suspicious. It is very, very unusual."

He added: "We are asking people to be vigilant and not to leave valuables in their car."

Anyone with information can ring Chorley CID on 01257 246222.

Meanwhile, police have repeated a warning not to leave insecure vehicles unattended while de-icing them on frosty mornings.