Police issue warning on insecurities

Pemberton residents are being urged to keep their properties more secure with the onset of warmer weather, following a number of burglaries in the area.

In the past week, burglaries where car keys were stolen have occurred in Newtown and Worsley Mesnes, in the latter case because of an insecure conservatory. A mountain bike was also stolen from a property on Saddleback Road in Norley Hall.

To tackle the problem, police community support officers will be patrolling communities actively looking for insecurities and posting warning cards through people’s doors.

Inspector Peter Clarke of the Pemberton Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “People are more inclined to leave windows and doors open or unlocked when the weather gets warmer, but research shows that one in three burglaries happen as a result of this.

“To deter burglars, we recommend that all doors and windows are kept locked, and would advise residents to keep house and car keys hidden and out of reach.”

As well as burglaries caused by insecurities, there has been a recent spate of four incidents in Marsh Green and the Prescott Lane area of Kitt Green where offenders have entered homes by removing rear-window panes during the early afternoon and stolen mainly jewellery and money.

Inspector Clarke added: “If anyone has knowledge of the people responsible, or has witnessed suspicious activity, I would urge them to visit the nearest police station and speak to an officer in confidence.

“Alternatively, they can call police on 0161 872 5050, report crime online at www.gmp.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Community Safety Partnership is issuing the following tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of burglary:

• Install an alarm and make sure it’s activated when you leave your home empty and before you go to bed at night.
• Make sure your home looks occupied when you leave it empty: leave a light on and set timer switches to turn lamps and radios on and off.
• Install sensor lights that switch on automatically when movement is detected around your property.
• Do not leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door – burglars know all the hiding places.
• Store keys away from the front door and out of sight.
• Do not leave doors and windows open or unlocked.
• Fit a 5-lever mortise lock on the front and back doors.
• Fit window locks on ground floor windows, or upper floor windows that can be reached easily.
• Do not leave gates, sheds and garages open or unlocked.
• Lock all tools and ladders away securely.
• Ensure your house number is clearly visible from the street, so when police get reports of a burglary they can find your home quickly and are more likely to catch offenders.
• Join or set up a Home Watch scheme.

For further information contact: Max Bowie, GMP Public Relations Officer, on 0161 856 2761 / 2284 or 07979 706797