Burglars are light-fingered

IN the spotlight . . . Simon Wheelwright, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and PCSO Lucille Hennessy

Chadderton householders have pledged to light up their homes and leave burglars out in the cold this winter.

The Chadderton neighbourhood policing team has joined forces with Chadderton Home Watch and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to give out free light timers and lightbulbs to residents.

Burglary continues to go down across Oldham — there was a 3.3 per cent drop in burglaries since April compared with the same period last year, meaning 35 fewer victims.

But police warn that people still need to be on their guard as crime traditionally increases in the run up to Christmas. Thieves work under cover of darkness to target homes that appear empty and have valuables on display.

Insp Kevin Rankin of the Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Burglars love the dark, so by leaving a light on, you can keep criminals guessing on whether your home is occupied and encourage them to give it a wide berth.

“Doing this, setting your burglar alarm and shutting and locking all doors and windows could help ensure that you have a safe and peaceful Christmas.”

Residents are also encouraged to join their local Home Watch scheme.

Alan Wilde, chairman of the Chadderton Home Watch scheme said: “Residents can help police to beat burglars, bogus callers and other suspicious characters by getting involved in a local Home Watch scheme.

“Through regular meetings, neighbours can share information with each other and the police.

“The police can then respond to these concerns and work together with residents to make their neighbourhood a safer and more pleasant place to live.”