Warning to Wigan residents after spate of burglaries

Police have stepped up patrols following a spate of break-ins at homes in Standish.

Officers said that properties being targeted are unoccupied and that these houses, with no Christmas lights or signs of activity, stand out for burglars at this time of year.

Urging people to be vigilant, neighbourhood policing team officers, said: “Again your local neighbourhood policing team are out in the area to tackle burglary.

“There has been a number of burglaries reported in the area where the property targeted is unoccupied.

“Unfortunately, these properties stand out at this time of year. No Christmas lights, no signs of activity in the address.

“Please all be vigilant for yourself and each other.”

Among the things residents can do to protect their property include using technology, light timers and changing routines of when lights come on and off, they said.

They said: “If possible put a few decorations up, making the house looked lived in often helps deter the burglar.

“If you have social media groups, let each other know and look out for those elderly residents or empty properties.”

They added: “We will be patrolling and we will also look for these properties and give advice directly if possible.”

While Standish Community Watch, which was set up by Coun Debbie Parkinson, said they had received reports of people peering in windows on Avondale Street.

In another incident a catalytic converter was stolen from someone’s car on Heaton Street.

The victim had parked opposite R. Banks and Son’s funeral directors in Standish while at the hairdressers on Sunday (December 20). The incident has been reported to the police.

Coun Parkinson, who is one of the two neighbourhood watch cooordinators for Wigan, said: “We’ve had a few reports of people hanging around the new estates and on Avondale Street, looking for opportunities.

“There are more people going round who are on the look out and are opportunists.

“So we’re warning residents not to leave presents under Christmas trees and make sure lights are switched on.

“We also put a message out saying a catalytic converter had been stolen from a car, so there are people going around at the moment.”

For more information and details on crime, visit Standish Community Watch on Facebook.

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