POLICE in Colne have warned people to be more security conscious when they go on holiday or out for the evening after an increase in burglaries in the Castle Road area.

Inspector Martin Holleran said: "We have been having a number of evening burglaries.

"It is getting to the time of year where we want to warn people that if there are no lights on in a house, because someone is in hospital or because they are away on holiday, thieves are more likely to pick up on it."

Two houses in Castle Road were targeted on Saturday evening.

Thieves tried to force several windows at the first property but were unable to get in.

At the second house they forced open a window and stole four solid silver serviette rings with the inscribed initials MH worth £200.

A window was forced at a house in Langdale Rise on Saturday between 2.30pm and 9pm, and thieves stole a Panasonic video camera worth £800 and a Capo de Milo statue worth £200 of three small boys playing cards.

Inspector Holleran said: "Criminals have been looking around the area during the evening to ascertain which houses are empty.

:We want to warn people to keep a light on or, if possible, use a timer light and if they see anyone hanging around back gardens or security lights coming on, to phone the police.

"I have put dedicated officers on to investigating these burglaries. We are taking it very seriously and are putting up signs to warn people."

Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact PC 1892 Ben Hodgkinson on 01282 425001.