A WAR is being waged on Bolton's burglars with five men caught in just one night.

Police are making a concerted push in a bid to drive down burglary across the borough.

But detectives say that burglary rates are still on the up in Bolton and are urging people to be extra vigilant in the run-in to Christmas.

Five suspects linked to Bolton burglaries were arrested overnight on December 2, hours before police carried out raids across Halliwell.

The day of action was part of Operation Spartan, a police offensive against burglars and drug dealers in Halliwell and Crompton.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden warned that burglary is a problem elsewhere in the town, and specifically urged residents of Astley Bridge, Horwich, Heaton and Lostock to be wary.

Bolton police are working with counterparts in Salford, Wigan and across the North West to take criminals off the streets.

On Tuesday, December 2, two 23-year-old men from Fallowfield in Manchester were arrested in Wythenshawe.

Police suspect the duo travelled to Bolton and burgled a house in Ashworth Lane, Astley Bridge, on November 21, as well as committing a burglary in Stockport.

They have been bailed until January 7, 2015 while enquiries continue.

On the same night, police arrested a 26-year-old man near Bolton Golf Club in connection with a burglary in Green Lane, Great Lever. He has been bailed until March 3.

A 21-year-old man from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of the theft of a vehicle and burglary in Cawdor Avenue, Farnworth on September 24, as well as five other burglaries across Lancashire

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy in relation to another raid in Ashworth Lane, Astley Bridge.

A 16-year-old boy has already been charged with the burglary and attended magistrates court on December 1.

Det Insp Cadden said: "Despite concerted action burglary is still rising and we need the public to be vigilant and ensure their homes look occupied, as far as possible when they're out.

"We would ask members of the public in the Heaton, Horwich, Lostock and Astley Bridge areas to remain vigilant and call in any incidents where men may be acting suspiciously in their area and let us know about any suspicious cars that may be being used by them.

"Some homes are still being left insecure which is providing an easy way in for opportunistic burglar.

"Vigilance is key as we approach the Christmas period. Keep your Christmas presents out of view."

To report a burglary call 101 or 999 in an emergency.