THE most prolific known burglars will be visited by police as they bid to keep crime rates at a 35-year low.

Daytime and evening doorknocks, extra patrols at hotspots and warning letters to criminals are all part of a bid to further reduce burglaries in Blackburn.

Residents are also being reminded to take additional crime prevention measures in their home and to report anything suspicious to the police.

Inspector Steve Dowson, from Blackburn Police, said: “Burglary in Lancashire is at its lowest in 35 years.

“But we want to keep it that way.

“This operation is aimed at reducing burglaries even further by disrupting the activities of Blackburn’s most prolific burglars.

“As summer approaches, we know that people tend to leave windows and doors open, leaving them vulnerable to burglars.

“In over a third of all burglaries, thieves don’t have to break in because people have left windows and doors unlocked.

“There are a small minority of people who are responsible for committing the majority of burglaries.

“The message to them is simple; we know who you are, we know where you live and if you continue to commit crime, you will be targeted.”