Horwich residents urged to be vigilant after number of burglaries

There have been three homes burgled in the Horwich North East area over the past two weeks and one in Horwich and Blackrod area.

Lock-snapping is said to be the main way burglars are entering properties - with this seen in two of the crimes.

Cllr Marie Brady said: “I would encourage people to have those anti-snap locks.

“If someone isn’t an easy target, they are more likely to go elsewhere.

“I would say that people should just be vigilant.

“So many people have these Ring video door bells that can catch people.

“Police can then use that to build up a picture.”

She also explained that a faraday pouch is also a good method to protect people, keeping cars safe by stopping signals being sent or received by someone’s key fob, or other devices that may be used to steal people’s cars.

Cllr Brady has registered a local group as the Neighbourhood Watch group, which was originally set up during the pandemic to help those with their shopping and other needs.

She said: “The group is there for any issues that come up and we have a What’s App group for it.

“If people are aware that something is going on, then they let their neighbours know, especially elderly people who may live alone, so we can take actions.

“Social media is a big thing now, but a lot of elderly people don’t use that.

“But most elderly people have a mobile phone, so it’s also about showing them how to use it.”

Residents can also benefit from products free of charge as part of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

Cllr Brady has urged people to join or set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in their area.

She added: “It might frighten people because they think ‘it could have been me”.

“But it’s important to highlight what people can do to keep themselves as safe as possible.”

Cllr Brady explained that there were simple things that residents could also do such as making sure their windows were closed and locking their door and installing CCTV.