TWO men have been arrested as part of a crackdown on burglars who steal high-powered cars in Pendle.

Operation Fiesta has been targeting organised criminals who single out homes across the borough, stealing car keys before making off in the vehicles.

The men, aged 23 and 29, from West Yorkshire, were arrested after being spotted by officers in the Laneshawbridge area; they have been charged with going equipped for burglary.

Detective Inspector Martin Melvin said: “The operation is clearly working with the type of offence we are trying to prevent now in decline.

“However, extra police patrols on our borders and in key areas of our towns will continue since, working with officers in neighbouring forces, it is our intention to call a complete halt to this type of offence.

“We will do that using every tactic at our display including intelligence led offender targeting as well as increased cross border patrols and stop checks.

“Our message is this: Car thieves and burglars are not welcome in Pennine Division.”