Police Urge Prestwich and Whitefield Residents to Watch out for TV Burglars

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 28 January 2008

Prestwich and Whitefield residents are being urged to step up their security after a spate of incidents in which burglars have forced their way into homes to steal flat screen televisions.

Twenty-six houses have been targeted in this current spate and 17 flat screen televisions have been stolen in the last three weeks. Police warn that more could be burgled unless residents take extra care.

“These TVs are extremely desirable for criminals as they’re expensive, easy to carry and easy to sell,” said Inspector Rachel Buckle of Bury’s Operational Policing Unit.  ldquo;If a burglar can see one through your front window, they will look for any opportunity to steal it.

“I’m urging all residents, especially anyone who owns an expensive TV, to make sure their home has secure locks fitted to doors and windows.  These burglaries have all taken place in broad daylight, so if you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area or peering through windows, then please get in touch with us straight away so we can stop these offenders from carrying out any more crimes.”

In all of the incidents, burglars entered homes by kicking or forcing open exterior doors.

For details on how to make your home more secure, please contact Crime Reduction Advisor Gaynor Mason on 0161 856 8046.

Anyone with information about crime in Prestwich or Whitefield is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.