Residents urged to take security advice

New police figures show that Wigan residents are still not listening to warnings about keeping their homes secure.

Thirty four per cent of all burglaries committed in the Wigan Borough between April 2007 and March 2008 were down to offenders entering properties through an open door or window.

Analysis showed that:

• during July there were 51 reported burglaries
• almost 40 per cent of these were down to householders leaving doors and windows open or unlocked
• 80 per cent of households burgled did not have an alarm fitted, and the other 20 per cent had not activated their alarm systems.

Wendy O’Neil, Crime Reduction Advisor for GMP’s Wigan Division, said:

“People need to realise how important door and window security is. Burglars are opportunists, and when they see an open door or window they’ll take their chance.

“Remember to keep doors and windows closed and locked, especially when you are not in that room, in the garden or just popping out to the local shop. Also make sure your windows are fitted with key operated locks, and don’t forget to remove keys from window locks and store them in a safe place.

“Finally, residents should know that homes are less likely to be burgled if a visible burglar alarm is fitted. Criminals don’t like attracting attention to themselves, so don’t wait until you’ve been burgled to get one installed.”

To report crime, call police on 0161 872 5050 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk (external link) Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.