Police are warning people to remain vigilant and to make sure doors and windows are locked to avoid becoming a victim of burglary.

This comes after they had a number of reports of a male trying doors in Westhoughton.

People are being advised to check that all windows and doors are locked and if you are heading out to close curtains and blinds.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police Bolton West said: “There have been a number of reports of a male trying doors checking for insecurities around Green Meadows in Westhoughton.

“Please ensure your doors are locked, even when you are home and report any suspicious activity.”

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The warning comes after police appealed for CCTV footage as they investigate a series of burglaries and attempted break-ins in the Horwich area over the last week.

Officers say that properties they know about so far were targeted in The Fairways, Hughes Street, Nasmyth Street and Kensington Drive areas of Horwich.

Operation Castle was launched in 2021 as officers committed a pledge to the Government to send an officer to every domestic burglary in Greater Manchester.

The operation was hailed as a ground-breaking initiative which had a clear focus to conduct full investigation, and to protect victims from being repeatedly targeted.

Following the success of the pilot operation in Greater Manchester Police, in October 2022, the Home Office announced that all police forces across the country would be required to attend every report of domestic burglary as part of the Government’s overall commitment to reducing crime, lessening victims, and creating a safer country.

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

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