PLAIN-CLOTHED police officers are patrolling Lower Darwen after an increase in shed burglaries.

And Darwen police are looking to trace three teenagers in connection to the latest incidents in the Milking Lane and Aster Chase area.

Sgt Mark Thackeray-Scott said: "We have had a spate of burglaries in the last few weeks where sheds have been broken into.

"Thieves are breaking the padlocks off the doors to get in."

The three teenagers are described as white and about 16 years old.

The first is believed to be 6ft 2ins, slim, with blond, spiky hair, wearing a distinctive white tracksuit with red stripes on the sleeves.

A second youth is 5ft 10ins, medium build with dark hair and dark clothing and the third is 5ft 8ins, slim, with dark hair and dark clothing, riding a red mountain bike.

Contact police on 01254 353844.