MORE than 20 cars in one area of Blackburn have been broken into since the new year.

Police said thieves had been breaking into expensive vehicles in the Fernhurst and Oakdale estates.

Satellite navigation systems and other electrical goods worth thousands of pounds have been stolen.

Cars had been left parked in the street overnight. Police Community Support Officer Nigel Brooke, for Mill Hill, Ewood and Lower Darwen, said: "I urge people to make sure they secure their vehicles and park them in a garage where possible.

"We are also carrying out an operation to combat this problem."

Anyone with information should call 0845 1 25 35 45.