RESIDENTS in Over Hulton have been urged to make sure that their doors are securely locked after an alleged burglary.

Former Greater Manchester Police chief superintendent Brian Wroe made the warning after a car was stolen in Cornwall Avenue last week.

Mr Wroe, who lives in Over Hulton, said: “Burglars strolled through an unlocked rear door, picked up a set of car keys while the family was present in another room and promptly stole a car from the drive.

“Please remind everyone — lock all doors to your home whether you are in the house or not. Do not keep house and car keys in accessible places, remember that thieves are adept at stealing keys through the letter box. If there is one piece of advice that I can pass on to everyone, as a former police officer, it is this — keep your doors locked. The majority of burglaries are committed by offenders who simply walk in through an insecure door. “Please pass on this message to all your friends and neighbours.”

GMP also advises residents to look at installing alarms in their homes and to check their insurance policies to see the level of security that is needed for their properties.

Further information on how to protect homes from burglars can be found at gmp.police.uk