Middleton suffers spate of burglaries

Police have urged Middleton residents to secure their properties following a number of burglaries in the area.

So far this month the town has been hit by 16 burglaries, with Elm Street and Tonge Meadow in Moorclose and Langley East the main target areas.

Police believe that offenders have been able to walk through unlocked doors and climb through open ground floor windows to gain access to homes.

Police community support officers will keep their eye open for these insecurities and will drop leaflets through doors which will advise home-owners how to minimise the risk of being burgled.

Crime reduction advisor for Rochdale division, Brian Farr, said: “Research shows that one in three burglaries happen when doors and windows are left open or unlocked.

“Therefore to deter burglars, we are urging people to remember to lock all external doors and windows when they leave their properties, and this basic advice also applies when they’re at home.”

For more information on preventing crime, call Brian Farr on 0161 856 8478.