THIEVES are preying on motorists who leave their cars in pub car parks overnight after enjoying a festive drink.

The crooks have been touring East Lancashire's remote pubs and pilfering from vehicles during the night.

And the law-abiding owners, who do not want to flout drink driving laws, are discovering the thefts when they return for their cars the following day.

Crime Prevention Officer PC Dave Sykes of Burnley Police said: "Leaving a car anywhere, unfortunately, makes it liable to be broken into.

"Unfortunately, any car is vulnerable. "When leaving a car anywhere at any time the advice is to make sure it is left locked, that there is nothing of value on view and if an alarm is fitted to make sure it is on.''

PC Sykes added: "We would applaud people wise enough to leave their car on a pub car park rather than drive home after having a drink.

"In those circumstances it would be wise to inform the landlord and if possible to leave the vehicle parked beneath a light.''

Detective Inspector Terry Richardson of Blackburn CID added: "If people are sensible enough to take a taxi home after they have had a drink it is a shame that they are being punished by thieves.

"Perhaps they should take a taxi to the pub as well and leave their cars somewhere secure."

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