Police step up patrols after burglary spate

A STRING of burglaries across Royton, Crompton and Shaw has prompted police to urge residents to make sure they keep their windows and doors closed and locked.

Eight houses were targeted in the last three weeks. In six cases, thieves entered through insecure windows or doors. Car keys were stolen in each incident.

Police have now stepped up patrols and sent out letters warning residents to be vigilant.

PC Adam Murphy, from the Royton and Shaw Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I would urge people to check their properties for any insecurities before going to bed.

“Make sure your vehicle is securely locked and alarmed and that all valuables have been removed at night.

“Residents are advised never to leave their car or house keys either near window sills or in porches or hallways and are urged to put them as well as any valuables away and out of sight, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet.

“If you don’t secure your home you are not only leaving yourself vulnerable to burglars, but you may also invalidate any insurance claim.

Police are also advising residents to register their property and mark any valuables to ensure they can be returned if lost or stolen.

By registering valuables on www.immobilise.com owners can put details of their prized possessions on a national database which police can access and compare against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.

The free online service is quick and easy to use. Police say almost any item with a serial number recovered by police can be returned to the owner if it is registered on the database.

People can also add photographs and certificates of ownership to their account which can be updated with details of new possessions. Items no longer owned can be removed.

Further advice from police is to use timer switches on lamps or leave a light on when out to give the impression someone is at home and always set the burglar alarm when in bed.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call police on 0161-856 8983 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800-555 111.