POLICE have vowed to increase patrols in rural Bolton after a spate of car crime.

Property has been stolen from six cars across Edgworth over the last two weekends. Many cars have also been badly damaged.

A thief stole a blue van, registration N137 AVU, from Morclam Engineering at Springvale Works in Bury Road.

The van, taken early last Friday, had distinctive silver writing on the side, spelling out Morclam. The keys had been left in the ignition.

Thieves stole a Sony CD player after smashing the rear window of a Toyota Celica in Bolton Road overnight on Sunday, February 3. A BMW 520 and a Mercedes A Class were also targeted later the same night. The BMW's door lock was forced but nothing was stolen. It was parked on Edgworth Vale.

A Lacoste bag was stolen from the Mercedes after the thieves smashed the rear windscreen, climbed into the car and stole the bag from the boot. It was parked on Bolton Road.

A Sony radio was snatched from a Suzuki Swift parked in Bolton Road on Tuesday, February 5. The thieves smashed a rear window. And in the latest incident, a CD player was stolen from a Vauxhall Calibra in Bolton Road, Edgworth, on Sunday night.

Police are appealing for witnesses. They have also warned motorists across the village to be extra vigilant and make sure their vehicles are locked.

Sgt Andrea Bradbury, of Darwen Police, said: "There has been a series of thefts and damage to cars parked along Bolton Road in Edgworth. They have mainly been overnight cases. We will step up our presence at night but people should make sure that nothing of value is left in cars."

Witnesses to any of the incidents should call Darwen Police on 01254 353844.