Residents urged to be vigilant after increase in burglaries

Residents are being urged to be vigilant after an increase in burglaries (stock image)

Residents are being urged to be vigilant by police after an increase in burglaries.

The warning comes after a number of men have been seen trying house and door handles in Kingsway.

A GMP spokesman said: “There has been an increase in burglary offences in the Kingsway area over the last month.

“Police are warning residents of a number of reports of males seen trying house and vehicle door handles.

“Please ensure your house and vehicle is securely locked. Keep doors locked and keys out of sight and never leave keys in doors even if you’re in.

“Please remain vigilant and contact us with any information with regards to such offences by ringing 101 or through Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 as soon as possible.

“If you think you are witnessing a crime taking place, please dial 999 immediately.”

Last month, local residents spoke of their concerns after a brazen and violent armed burglar repeatedly targeted the Kingsway area.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/117611/violent-armed-burglar-repeatedly-targets-kingsway-area

One local woman, who was targeted by the burglar twice in a number of weeks, said: “He was in my house for 40 minutes the first time, and he heard us whilst we were calling the police.

“This dangerous man is still at large.  He threatened to kill my neighbour, who got a good look at him and I witnessed him slash a neighbour’s coat on one of the two occasions when we were close to apprehending him.

“Many of the residents here are awake at night, scared to sleep. The residents of Kingsway are distributing information about as many breaks or attempted breaks as possible, and the officers have mentioned it’s the same offender, after looking at the CCTV.

“If I can stop this brazen criminal targeting one more person, then it’s worth it.”