RESIDENTS are being warned to keep doors and windows locked after a spate of burglaries in Little Hulton and Walkden.

There have been 15 burglaries in the area since last Wednesday — and police believe many of them could have been prevented by better security.

A large proportion of the burglaries was carried out by thieves getting in through open ground floor windows at the back of houses.

And some of the burglars lifted fence panels to get into back gardens. Police have stepped up patrols in hotspot areas, but are also urging residents to secure their windows and doors and to make sure fence panels are screwed in properly. Crime reduction advisor Glyn Wood said: “While every effort is being made by the police to combat this type of offence, I would urge members of the public to ensure their property is secure at all times.

“One in three burglaries happens because windows and doors are left insecure and in some cases burglars will simply walk along a street until they find an insecure home.

“By remembering to lock and shut your windows and doors, you can reduce your chances of falling victim to this distressing crime.

The thieves mainly targeted small electrical items such as MP3 players, laptops and games consoles, but cars have also been taken from driveways.

About half of the 15 burglaries happened last weekend.

Anyone with information about the burglaries can call police on 0161 8725050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.