A stolen vehicle was recovered in Breightmet last night as police were taking part in a high profile operation to ensure the longer nights do not provide a cover for criminals in Bolton.

Police were out in the area as part of the Darker Nights campaign when they discovered a van on Wasdale Avenue.

Following checks, it was found to be displaying false registration plates, police said.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police Bolton North Neighbourhood Team said: "Further checks revealed that it had been stolen from Crown Lane in Horwich this morning. It has now been seized for a forensic examination before being returned to the owner.

"Opportunistic thieves use the darker nights for committing neighbourhood offences such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime. Our ‘Darker Nights’ campaign is to provide an insight into what GMP is doing to tackle neighbourhood crime, raise awareness of where incidents are taking place, and provide crime prevention and security advice."

Darker Nights is a campaign tackling, burglary, robbery, and vehicle crime as well as anti-social behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Emily Higham, GMP’s neighbourhood crime lead, said: “The aim of the ‘Darker Nights’ campaign is to provide an insight into what the Force is doing to tackle neighbourhood crime, raise awareness of where incidents are taking place, and provide crime prevention and security advice.

“Throughout the autumn and winter months, our neighbourhood officers will be out in your community conducting high-visibility patrols, executing warrants, and pursuing and arresting offenders that are targeting you, your families, and your homes.”

The Bolton News: Police out and about across Bolton

“We will continue to be proactive in targeting thieves, but we need your help and intelligence so we can act quickly against anyone who may be acting suspiciously in your area.

“We also want to encourage you to consider taking additional security and personal safety steps to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim.”

You can report incidents to GMP via 101, or by using LiveChat on our website. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Further crime prevention advice is available here: https://www.gmp.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/