POLICE believe thieves are targeting older vehicles in Clayton-le-Moors and want residents to help track them down.

The criminals have been stealing cars such as older Vauxhall and Austin models, which have been taken from the Pickup Street area of town.

A thief tried to force the steering lock on a Vauxhall Nova in Moor Street on Saturday evening but failed to steal the car.

A blue Austin Metro was stolen from a rear alley off Pickup Street at 8pm on Friday. The same night, an Austin Maestro was stolen from the same area. Both cars were later found abandoned near the former Karrimor site at Petre Road, Clayton-le-Moors.

Insp Bob Ford of Great Harwood Police said: "A high number of cars have been stolen from the area in recent weeks and damage has also been caused to other cars which the thieves have tried to take.

"In some cases, residents have seen people hanging around but have not called the police.

We need people's help to stop these thefts. Anyone who sees anything suspicious should contact the police immediately so we can take action."

Police have issued a description of a youth seen hanging around cars in the area. He is aged between 17 and 20 with short dark hair and has been spotted wearing a bomber jacket. Anyone with information should call Great Harwood Police on 01254 884800.

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