A POLICE boss is urging people to make sure their homes are secure following a spike in burglaries.

Over the past few months all areas in Bolton have seen an increase in burglaries with homes and schools targeted.

In Bolton North, 131 break-ins at homes were reported between the start of September and November.

Bolton Central received 39 reports of burglaries at homes and Bolton South had 61 logged between the same period.

With Christmas looming people are being asked to take extra steps to deter thieves.

Insp Wayne Readfern, from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said a man suspected of committing many of the burglaries in Bolton North between that period was arrested following a hunt by officers.

He added: “It is frustrating because although we can give advice out officers on our streets are still finding that people are leaving their doors open and aren’t using timer switches. Burglaries do increase because the opportunity is there for thieves. Some of the burglaries recorded were at insecure homes.” Insp Readfern said businesses and schools can help reduce the threat of crime by ensuring valuable items such as laptops are locked away and cash is not left on the premises.

At the start of the month, Bolton police launched Operation Sherry to crackdown on shoplifters, anti-social behaviour and pickpockets in the town centre.

A force-wide advent clampdown is taking place throughout Greater Manchester to help people to avoid falling foul to crime.

Darron Tickle, crime reduction specialist, said: “In the weeks leading up to Christmas when people are out shopping, thieves are out looking for cars laden with gifts or other valuables, or those parked in insecure locations.

“To avoid becoming a victim of car crime, motorists should park in secure or well-lit areas wherever possible.

“They should also close all windows, set any security devices and remove all valuables, especially sat navs and their mounting cradles. All doors should be locked and checked manually, as automatic locking devices can sometimes suffer from interference.

“If you must leave your vehicle unattended with Christmas shopping inside, make sure you lock it in the boot out of sight, and it’s worth remembering that some stores will keep gifts for you so you can collect them later.”

People are encouraged to register valuables at immobilise.com and to security mark items with their postcode and house number.