Police issue warm weather warning following spate of burglaries

Date published: 29 June 2009

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Bury Division are urging residents to keep their homes secure during the warm weather following a spate of burglaries over the weekend.

There were seven burglaries across the division from Friday to Sunday where offenders gained entry to properties through insecure doors or windows.

During one incident, thieves used a key which was hidden in an insecure porch to enter a property and steal a laptop and a wallet.

A third of burglaries are down to insecurities and as the temperature increases, so can the number of incidents due to an open door or window.

Chief Inspector Sean Hogan of Bury Division said: “I cannot stress how important it is that residents secure their doors and windows, especially during the summer months. We have had a number of incidents where thieves have gained access to homes because they haven’t been locked and personal property has been stolen.

“My advice is to keep your home secure, whether you are going out or not. If you are leaving it unattended, use a timer alongside a light or radio to give the impression someone is home. If you are going on holiday, ask a trusted neighbour to check your property as well as open and close curtains in the morning and evening respectively.”

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.