Residents call for more police following surge in crime

Residents who say their community is plagued by a serious wave of burglaries and vehicle crimes are demanding more police following an emergency meeting.
Residents are calling for more policeResidents are calling for more police
Residents are calling for more police

More than 100 residents from Lowton spoke about alarming incidents over the past couple of months including houses having paving slabs thrown through a window so criminals can steal goods and items being taken from cars.

The packed meeting was called by the Lowton East Neighbourhood Development Forum (Lendf) and Lane Head South Residents’ Group and the organisations spoke of one incident in which a girl had to hide under the bed while burglars searched the property.

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Lendf is now writing to local politicians asking them to urgently call for better resources for Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Lendf chair Ed Thwaite said: “When I was a teenager we had our own police station in Lowton with four officers and a sergeant. Now the population is about four times the size and we’ve got one policeman and a couple of PCSOs.

“It’s just not enough and there have been some serious incidents here recently, we’ve had a concerted attack of offences.

“The people causing problems know when we are not policed, so without improvements things will only continue to deteriorate.”

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The residents’ groups said the turnout at the meeting showed the strength of feeling and urged an official response.

The police reassured residents that arrest warrants have been issued for four men suspected of involvement in vehicle crime. Officers also appealed for information about two local men who are also accused of involvement in the recent incidents.

The most serious offences have occurred around the Lane Head area and the meeting also discussed anti-social behaviour around Braithwaite Road and the civic hall.

Police also stressed that they share information with neighbouring forces as Lowton is close to the border with Merseyside and also has Warrington postcodes.

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The majority of vehicle thefts are thought to be of objects including iPads and handbags either left visible or under the seats. Residents were also warned to keep digital keys well away from vehicles as they can be used remotely.

Incidents should be reported to the police using 999 if immediate action is required or 101.

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