A disturbing spate of burglaries targeting unlocked homes in Bolton have forced police to warn residents to beware.
Six separate burglaries occurred between Friday April 12 and Thursday April 17, with stolen items including a car, a wallet and a PlayStation 3.
Police have not yet linked the incidents, however all cases saw offenders taking advantage of unlocked homes.
Detective Sergeant Rob Parker said: “It is clear that there are people out there who are looking to steal from innocent members of the community.
“In each of these cases, offenders have gained access to homes through insecure doors or windows.”
The robberies began around 1.20pm on Friday April 12, when an offender opened the front door of a home on Hugh Lupus Street, Sharples, and stole a TV remote.
Five separate incidents followed – at around 2.20am on Saturday 13 April 2013, someone opened the insecure front door of a house on Fearnhead Avenue, Horwich and stole a raincoat.
They were disturbed by the homeowners before anything else was taken.
Sometime between 12.30am and 7.45am on the same day, a purse, Playstation 3 and watch were stolen after offenders climbed through an insecure window of a house on Lovat Road, Breightmet.
Police are also looking for a man who broke into a home in the Heaton area of Bolton just before 5pm on Tuesday April 16.
He walked upstairs where he was confronted by a woman – he then told her he had the wrong house and ran off empty handed.
The man is described as being white, in his late 20s, 5ft 7in tall and of slim to medium build. He wore a ‘trapper’ style hat and spoke with a local accent.
The last case came on Thursday April 17 when a wallet and Ford Focus was stolen after someone opened the front door of a house on Darley Street, Horwich.
Detective Sergeant Parker added: “I would ask residents to ensure that all doors and windows are locked, especially if you are going out for the night.
“Put timers on your lights so it gives the impression that people are home.
“There are always people who are looking for easy targets and if they find a house that is unlocked, it is highly likely you will become a victim of crime.
“If you have any information on these or other burglaries in the area, please contact police.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5761 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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