POLICE are warning Ribble Valley householders to keep their homes secure following a spate of burglaries targeting jewellery.

In the latest incident opportunist thieves stole a number of high-value items of jewellery including a wedding ring from a house in Clitheroe The solid 18-carat gold band inscribed with the date of the wedding, 15/10/94, was taken during a burglary at Woodfields, Clitheroe, after police said the owners left their home unlocked.

Officers believe this incident and a number of other burglaries in the area in recent weeks could be connected.

Last Thursday, burglars smashed their way through two Ribble Valley farmhouses with a sledgehammer before making off with thousands of pounds worth of jewllery And on Saturday, thieves stole electronic equipment worth £1,240 in a raid on an unlocked house in Birdy Brow, Chaigley.

Detectives are keen to trace the driver of a 'suspicious' white transit van with signage on the side which has been seen by a number of different witnesses.

Sergeant Conrad Tapp of Clitheroe police said: “It is a possibility that these incidents could be connected and we are keen to speak to the driver of the van so that we can eliminate them from our enquries.

“Historically, the Ribble Valley has been targeting by travelling criminals and although crime is very low in the area there has been a problem with burglaries this month especially at home which have been left insecure. It is something that we are working to address and identify the offenders as quickly as possible.”

Sgt Tapp added: “I would like to stress people that even though this is a very safe area they should still lock all their doors and windows and watch out for anyone acting suspiciously.”

Anyone with information should call Clitheroe police on 01200 443 344 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111