BURGLARY rates have dropped by a third in Bolton since the start of the year — after police locked up a small number of prolific criminals.

New figures for January and February show that there were 360 recorded burglaries over the two months — which is 33 per cent fewer than the 535 in the last two months of 2014.

The Bolton News reported in November how burglaries of houses had risen by a quarter across the borough in 2014, with one happening every three hours.

The number reported in January and February was also significantly lower than the 475 burglaries reported in the same months last year.

Police say they are delighted with the drop, identifying conviction and jailing of some prolific burglars as the primary cause of the success.

Insp Wayne Readfern, from Bolton north neighbourhood policing team, said: "I'm really pleased to see the figures come down — as well as the public being happy about it, it makes our job easier.

"We put a lot of work into burglaries as it remains one of the force's priorities.

"With less having to be investigated, staff are freed up to go on more reassurance patrols and deal with other matters."

There were 135 burglaries in Bolton north, down 42 per cent on the 233 in November and December, 2014.

The Farnworth-based Bolton south team has dealt with 115 incidents since the start of the year.

There were 115 in that area of Bolton in November alone last year, with the latest figures 41 per cent down on the final two months of last year.

There have been 110 burglaries in the Bolton central area, up just two on the last two months of 2014.

Insp Readfern said police usually have a good idea of who is behind a spike in break-ins, and said some key burglars being put behind bars has helped the figures come down.

He added: "We have an extremely good offender targeting strategy and regularly visit known offenders.

"We also use the media and, increasingly, social media to good effect to issue crime prevention advice."

Police expect burglaries to increase again in the summer months.

Insp Readfern said: "People must lock their house and vehicle windows and doors when they are not in them.

"It is always frustrating to see burglaries of this kind.

"It is tempting in warm weather to leave windows ajar but people must avoid doing this."