Fears over surge in high value car thefts in Wigan

In recent weeks a number of expensive vehicles have been snatched from outside Standish homes, while there have been attempted break-ins of cars and houses in Ashton.

One incident saw a BMW X3 three-litre stolen last Saturday night in Standish Lower Ground.

Offenders broke in through the back door of the female victim’s house before stealing the car and her partner’s driving licence.

They then stopped in Orrell, threw everything out of the car, including a pram and bag, and removed the tracker.

The victim said: “There have been a lot of high value cars being stolen recently and it’s very scary.

“The police need to up the patrols, and since the break-in we have had no further contact from the police.

“I think the public of Wigan need to know what’s happening and everyone needs to increase their security.”

Elsewhere in Ashton there has been a spate of attempted break-ins of both cars and houses in the last few nights. The areas targeted were Stubshaw Cross’s Diane Road estate, Moxon Way/Wotton Drive and the Cansfield Grove area.

It comes after concerns were raised about a huge increase in car crime across Wigan in October. Residents reported a rise in car thefts involving high-powered vehicles and claimed they were being stolen to order.

The theft spree has prompted neighbourhood policing team officers to warn people to be vigilant for themselves and each other.