POLICE are warning householders to be on their guard following a 'rising' crime spate in Chorley.

Sneak thieves have been using people's ladders to break into properties and get away with thousands of pounds worth of goods.

One property was broken into overnight on Preston Road, Whittle-le-Woods, on June 12.

The burglars used a nearby ladder to climb onto a flat roof before forcing open a window.

They entered the premises and stole £3,000 worth of jewellery

In another raid at a property on Fishwick Lane, Wheelton, the thieves used ladders taken from an adjoining house's garage and used them to climb up and cut the wires on the alarm box. They entered the premises and stole £5,500 worth of items, including a laptop, porcelain and jewellery.

At around 6am on Saturday, June 18, a similar attempt was made to enter property on Dawber's Lane, Euxton. Attempts were made to force an upstairs rear window by someone on a ladder.

The thief was disturbed and left the property empty handed.

PC Richard Booth, of Chorley Police said: "If you have got ladders do not leave them outside.

"If you have got a garage or shed keep them locked to the wall or secured to the floor which will make you less vulnerable to becoming a victim of this type of crime."