Burglary warning for Prestwich residents

Date published: 01 March 2011

Police in Prestwich and Sedgley are warning residents to pay extra attention to their home security after a series of burglaries in the area.

Between the 24 and 27 February 2011 there was a series of four burglaries where a man broke into homes via ground floor kitchen windows and searched the houses for car keys in an attempt to take the homeowner’s vehicle. One car was stolen along with laptops and purses from the targeted addresses.

The criminal has fled when residents have realised there was someone in the house and have gone to investigate.

The incidents have taken place within the Jewish community between 2am and 3.30am in the morning, so officers are appealing to anyone who maybe awake at that time getting ready for work to report anyone looking suspicious on their street at that time of night.

Crime Reduction Adviser, Gaynor Mason, said: “While officers are out patrolling the area and doing all they can to catch whoever is responsible for these crimes, we want residents in the area to do their bit to keep their properties safe and secure.

“Please make sure you have adequate locks on your doors and windows and they are all kept shut. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure set it before you go to bed to act as a deterrent if anyone tries to break in. Finally, if you see anyone suspicious or hear someone breaking into yours or anyone else's house, call 999 immediately.”

Victim Support is an independent charity that provides practical and emotional support for people affected by crime. If you would like to speak to an adviser please ring the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 or visit victimsupport.org.uk for details of your local branch. The service is confidential and free of charge.

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that 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.

If you’re concerned about crime in your area and would like some advice on how to keep your property safe, or you are interested in joining the Dawn Patrol or Homewatch, you can contact your local neighbourhood policing team on the following:

Ramsbottom – 0161 856 8181 or ramsbottom.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Bury West – 0161 856 8025 or burywest.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Bury East – 0161 856 8127 or buryeast.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Radcliffe – 0161 856 8291 or radcliffe.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Whitefield – 0161 856 8204 or whitefield.npt@gmp.police.uk  
Prestwich – 0161 856 4538 or prestwich.npt@gmp.police.uk