RESIDENTS in Leigh and North Tyldesley are more likely to be burgled than anywhere else in Wigan, a new Crime audit reveals.

The most extensive survey of crime ever carried out in the borough shows that in the two areas there were over 61 burglaries per 1,000 homes between April 1997 and March 1998.

But the actual rates still fall far short of local people's perception of their chances of being broken into, which has 60pc of people saying they believe it is likely they will be burgled within the next 12 months.

The findings are contained in Wigan's Crime and Disorder audit produced by the local authority and police. The document reveals that overall crime in Wigan is lower than for much of Greater Manchester, with 90 crimes for every 1,000 residents compared with 122 per 1,000 in Greater Manchester. The audit breaks down crime into key areas including criminal damage, theft of vehicles, theft from vehicles, burglaries from homes, burglaries at other premises and assaults or woundings.

Leigh town centre features highly in all areas and there are higher than average rates for property and vehicle crime in Tyldesley and Atherton.

All Wigan residents will now have a chance to comment on the findings and suggest ways in which crime can be tackled. A leaflet will be distributed to every household and a series of public meetings held to discuss the issues the audit raises.

"The most important phase is starting, for the audit will only be of real value if we can involve as many members of the public as possible," said Wigan Council's deputy leader Cllr Tom Sherratt.

"This is a real chance for people to influence the strategy for reducing crime."

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