THE number of domestic burglaries in Lancashire has risen, according to new figures.

The data, released by the Office of National Statistics, shows the number has risen over the past 12 months to 4,872 from three per 1,000 people.

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The official crime survey found nationally that there were seven million incidents in the year to September 2014 – down 11 per cent on the previous year.

The figures published on Thursday are the penultimate results before the general election in May.

Official figures on crime are published every quarter and are drawn from two sources – The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) and incidents reported to the police and recorded by them.

Supt Damian Darcy from Lancashire Police said: “We have seen a rise in domestic burglary and it is especially disappointing that over a third of all our burglaries involve insecure premises, and we really need the public’s support in helping us to protect them.

“There are basic things people can do to keep their homes and property safe such as securing doors and windows, not leaving tools or ladders outside which burglars can use to break in to homes and by reporting anything suspicious to the police.”

“We encourage people to sign up to the In The Know community messaging service at www.stayintheknow.co.uk and to check out our website www.lancashire.police.uk for further advice.”