DECEMBER Is a very busy month for most people as the Christmas festivities get underway, and for police in Bolton it is no different.

The Neighbourhood Policing Teams at Bolton focus their activity on keeping people safe during the build up to Christmas.

The South Neighbourhood Team launched 'Operation Cracker', which will see high profile activity around the retail areas of Farnworth and Westhoughton.

We ask you to safeguard your personal belongings at all times in particular purses, wallets and mobile phones which have seen a large increase in reporting.

I would urge readers wherever you are to report any suspicious activity. Do not forget that the current threat level from international terrorism for the UK is assessed as severe.

Meanwhile we have seen an increase in domestic burglaries.

Being burgled is bad at any time but even worse in the build up to Christmas.

It can drastically affect people’s lives, but we have have put plans in place to target our most prolific offenders.

You can do a lot to help yourself from becoming a victim. Mainly by ensuring that your house is secure.

Even if you are in the house you can still become a victim as offenders will try an unlocked door and sneak into your property.

A large proportion of reported offences to us are when people just walk in through insecure doors or windows, so please lock them.

Do you have a timer switch which illuminates your property during the early evening? These can be absolutely crucial as burglars are proven to target houses in darkness.

Contact us and we will provide one free of charge.

We need you to report suspicious behaviour and look after your neighbours.

We are never too busy to respond to any activity which could potentially be an offender committing burglary and we have teams available to respond to such calls.

So help us to catch these people and make sure they are behind bars while you are tucking into your Christmas dinner.

Insp Chris Evans