POLICE in the Ribble Valley are giving away key fobs in an attempt to beat "hook and cane" burglars.

The burglars use implements such as fishing rods to hook keys from hallway tables through letterboxes, then use them to enter the house or make off with cars.

Police are now advising householders to "take their keys to bed" in a scheme backed by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

About 1,000 key fobs emblazoned with the message, Ribble Valley Crime and Disorder Partnership: Take your keys to bed, are ready.

Ribble Valley crime prevention officer Peter Wareing said: "Hook and cane burglaries are becoming a national problem and we have noticed an increase in the Ribble Valley. This may be because there are more detached houses with hallways.

"People tend to drop their keys anywhere as soon as they enter the house and we want to drive home the message that hallway tables are not necessarily the safest place to leave them at night.

"We want to nip this problem in the bud and have hundreds of the key fobs to give away. reminding people to leave their keys in a safer place at night, preferably by their bed."

The scheme has the backing of local firefighters, who said it was easier to leave a house in the event of an emergency if keys could be easily found.

Clitheroe Station Officer Dave McGrath said: "We fully support any initiative aimed at increasing fire safety. Fires at night are characterised by darkness, confusion and fear. If people can locate their keys quickly, it could save lives.

"We also advise householders to have a well-rehearsed plan in the event of a house fire and ensure every member of the household is aware of it."

Domestic burglary accounted for eight per cent of recorded crime in the Ribble Valley last year, with 151 incidents from 10,643 in Lancashire.

The free keyfobs are available from Clitheroe police station in King Street or Clitheroe Town Hall in Church Street.