UP to 20 homes a DAY were burgled in Bolton during a five month period this year.

The Crime and Disorder Audit Report reveals a total of 2,202 burglaries on homes throughout the borough from April 1 to August 31, an average of more than 550 a month, or almost 138 a week.

Figures reveal an average of almost two out of every 100 homes were targeted by burglars.

However, in four hot spots, the likelihood of being burgled more than doubled.

In Top o' th' Brow, more than seven per cent of all homes were targeted, almost six per cent in Great Lever, and more than five per cent in both Halliwell and the Dixon Green area of Farnworth, the actual numbers of burglaries breaking down to 93, 55, 57 and 40 respectively.

A further 20 other areas have also shown a level above the average.

Figures supplied by Bolton Magistrates Court show that throughout 1997, 364 people appeared for burglary offences.

Of those 200 were sent on for trial at Crown Court, but a further 25 received prison sentences from the magistrates, five were sent to Youth Offenders Institutions, nine received Community Service Orders, two were given Attendance Centre Orders, 18 Supervision or Probation Orders, five were fined, five were discharged and a further 95 cases were dismissed or withdrawn.

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