RESIDENTS are being warned to be 'extra vigilant' following a spate of carbon-copy burglaries.

Eight homes have been targeted in the Avondale and Earnsdale area of Darwen and each time the thieves have removed the entire window to gain access and ransack the properties.

Councillor David Smith, who issued the warning, said that crime in the areas has rocketed over the last month.

He said: "Burglaries are becoming more frequent following many crime-free years. People are afraid to go out for fear of returning to find their properties ransacked."

He said: "These burglaries resemble each other and it is probably the same group who are responsible for them.

"People must be on the look-out and take more precautions to combat these thieves." He added: "The thieves don't realise what suffering they are causing, suffering which lasts long after the actual burglary.

"The police are doing everything they can to help but residents themselves should be helping in the fight against crime.

Police Sergeant Alan Holt said: "Burglaries are happening but they are not on the increase. Homeowners can take preventive measures to deter burglars."

A crime prevention booklet can be obtained from Blackburn Police Station.

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