New police data has shown where burglaries have taken place in the north of Bolton.

Officers recently revealed that Harwood was a hotspot with six break-ins  taking place in the area, where it was thought burglars were looking for car keys.

Police warned of the lock snap method which was being used to gain entry to properties.

Between March 8 and 21 police dealt with a total of 24 residential burglaries in the area.

After Harwood there were five offences in both Halliwell, Bradshaw and Breightmet.

There were two in Crompton West, Bromley Cross and Tonge and the Haulgh.

In Crompton West three burglaries took place on Torrington Avenue.

In Tonge and the Haulgh there were two burglaries on Scowcroft Drive.

In each of Crompton East and Hall i' th' Wood Museum, Smithills and Astley Bridge there was one burglary.

Police have provided advice on how to keep homes safe.

They recommend upgrading locks to an anti-snap cylinder with a TS007 three star rating and or the sold secure diamond standards.

A GMP spokesperson explained the recent trend in Harwood.

They said: “There has been a recent spike in domestic burglaries in the Harwood area of Bolton.

“Properties with high performance vehicles parked outside and on driveways have been targeted.

“Offenders have used the lock-snap method to gain entry to houses.

“They are breaking in overnight, usually in the early hours of the morning and are searching houses for vehicle keys.

“There have been six of these burglaries in Harwood since March 5, 2024.

“To deter offenders, try anti-snap locks on your property and consider increasing the security of your vehicle by using a steering lock or similar device which will be visible to potential car thieves.”

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Cllrr Roger Hayes, who represents the Smithills ward, advised people to be vigilant.

He said: “We have not seen the snap lock in Smithills, it is normally by brute force.

“I would urge people to make sure they do not leave windows open, do not open the door unless you know who is there and get CCTV.

“There are burglaries going on.”