POLICE in Blackburn are warning people not to give thieves an easy ride by leaving valuables in cars and vehicles unlocked.

The warning follows an increase in thefts from cars in the first two weeks of this month.

Officers said 12 offences have been committed around the top edge of the north west of Blackburn with an increase in opportunist crimes in Pleasington, Pleckgate, and Lammack - traditionally areas of low crime.

Cars and vans are being targeted, often from on driveways, but also while people leave their vehicles unattended whilst visiting cemeteries and parks.

The main items stolen are Tom Toms, satellite navigation systems, telephones, MP3 players, cigarettes and tax discs.

Police said on one occasion an offender stole items from a vehicle while the aggrieved was tending the grave of a loved one at Pleasington Cemetery. The offender was a white male wearing a white sun hat and white top. He was chased from the scene and got into a waiting black Renault or similar, which drove off at speed.

One of the most recent crimes was on September 9 when two males were disturbed trying to get into a vehicle in Tarbert Crescent. One of the offenders was a male with dark trousers, a red football top, and a white tracksuit top. There were no details of the second offender.

Insp Claire Holbrook, of Blackburn police, said: "I am confident that we will make arrests soon but hopefully this will act as a wake up call to Blackburn residents to please secure your vehicles and remove valuables from inside. These people are walking or driving round looking for an opportunity to sneak into your vehicle and steal from you.

"Mobile Satellite Navigation owners should remove the equipment when they leave the vehicle.

"We would be pleased to hear in total confidence from anybody who has information regarding active criminals, especially auto criminals in Blackburn. Please contact us on 01254 51212."