Police in Bolton have warned break ins could increase in the summer months as the weather gets warmer and have issue advice on how to stay safe.

Figures have revealed the north of Westhoughton has become a hotspot for crime.

There have also been a large number of break-ins in Horwich.

In total for the month of April there were 31 residential burglaries in the west of Bolton, the equivalent of just over one per day.

And following this, police have issued advice on how to stay safe.

A GMP spokesperson said: “With the warmer months upon us, and more people outdoors, we are reminding residents to protect their homes and property.

“As the temperature increases, unfortunately, so can the number of break-ins, especially as more people spend time in their gardens or outside their homes.

“Insecurity burglaries refer to break-ins or thefts that are enabled by lapses in security measures, such as doors or windows being left unlocked, poor lighting, or the absence of a security system.

“These opportunities make it easier for burglars to enter a property with minimal effort or resistance.

“Approximately one in four burglaries are insecure.”

Police have also given advice on how to prevent these.

They are urging people to lock all windows and doors, lock ladders away to deter easy access to a home, to not leave valuables on display, consider investing in a safe for expensive or sentimental items.

They are also urging people to set up outdoor lighting and put gravel down as this makes a quiet approach difficult.

People are also urged to install an alarm sensor on doors as well as video doorbells or CCTV.

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Figures for April show there were 11 burglaries in Westhoughton North, seven in Horwich East, five in Horwich West, three in Horwich North, two in both Daisy Hill and Heaton and Lostock and one in the south of Westhoughton.

There were none in Blackrod, Chew Moor & Hunger Hill or Horwich South.

Police have arrested one man in relation to an incident.

The 42-year-old has been charged with three burglaries from dwellings, three attempted burglary dwellings, one other burglary and possession of a knife.

They are all alleged to have taken place in Westhoughton and he will appear in court in June.