TWO teenagers have been convicted over an attempted burglary in Great Lever.

The juveniles’ court appearance came just days after a public meeting was held to address a rise in the number of break-ins and incidents of car crime in the area.

Inspector Dave Henthorne, of Bolton South and Central Integrated Neighbourhood Policing Team, answered questions from the audience and provided an update on the situation at the meeting organised by Cllr Susan Haworth on Friday, January 15.

It emerged 15 people had been arrested by officers investigating the offences.

Cllr Haworth said: “People listened to the police report and have confidence that the police want to solve and prevent crime in the area.

More residents are coming forward to volunteer in Homewatch in Great Lever and there has been an increase in reporting concerns to the police since the meeting.

Residents are also asking the council to improve the lighting to pitch black back street areas.”

Days after the meeting, a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Bolton Youth Court.

He denied carrying out an attempted burglary in Alston Street in Great Lever on September 15 last year but was found guilty.

Following conviction, the case was transferred to Leicester and Rutland Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on February 1.

He was granted conditional bail that includes a 7pm to 7am electronically-monitored curfew and a ban on entering the borough of Bolton except to attend court, visit his solicitor or meet with the Youth Offending Team.

His accomplice was a 15-year-old boy from Bolton, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The younger offender changed his plea to guilty on the day of the trial and was given a six-month referral order.

He was ordered to pay £92.50 in compensation, a £15 victim surcharge and £200 in prosecution costs.