Burglars,watch out

CRIME warning . . . from left, Councillor Barbara Beeley, PCSO Ann-Marie Waby-Smith, PC Stephanie Dalpiaz, Councillor Val Sedgwick

A BLITZ on burglars has been launched in Saddleworth, which has become one of the region’s crime hotspots.

Councillor Barbara Beeley, chairman of the Saddleworth and Lees Area Committee joined fellow councillor Val Sedgwick on a three-mile walk calling at homes along the main road through Lees, Lydgate and Grasscroft.

They are working with the Greater Manchester police in a joint venture to reduce burglaries and alert locals to be safety-minded.

Police say that in a lot of cases offenders have been gaining entry through open doors.

Councillor Beeley said: “Our visits have really been appreciated by residents — and it also highlighted the real need to watch out for raiders.

“We have spelled out the dangers of leaving homes insecured and not taking the threat of a break-in seriously.”

Insp Danny Milovanovic, GMP’s senior area police officer, said: “Residents need to be vigilant, ensuring doors and windows are secure at all times and reporting any suspicious circumstances to the police. It is also very important to set alarms when houses are unoccupied, but just as importantly when residents are asleep in their beds.”

GMP has stepped up the number of officers on duty in the area — some in plain clothes — as part of an on-going operation.

Letters distributed by councillors and police urged residents to look for people acting suspiciously or vehicles seen in the area.

They highlighted homes without house alarms to consider fitting one.

Local resident, businessman Donald Buckley, said: “I have been very impressed with the councillors and police diligence in this very serious issue.

They really are offering sound advice.”

Police are urging residents to join Home Watch schemes. Insp Milovanovic added: “We want to establish community spirit and encourage people to work together when they confront community problems.”

Saddleworth Police station can be contacted on: 0161-856 4523/4524, answerphone facility.