A CRACKDOWN on car crime in Bolton has been launched after a surge in the number of vehicles broken into.

Police are warning car owners to ensure they remove valuables and lock doors after they received reports of nearly 60 incidents in one week.

Thieves are stealing virtually anything left on show, including satnavs, mobile phones and even loose change.

Vans have also been targeted for tools.

Last week 39 cars were broken into across Bolton, and 17 were reported as stolen or interfered with.

Hot spots include Kearsley , Rumworth and Great Lever.

Police Community Support Officers are now knocking on doors offering reassurance and advice to car owners. Police patrols are also to be stepped up.

Det Insp Denise Pye said: “Vehicle crime has risen significantly and we are doing an operation to tackle it.

“We need people in Bolton to be vigilant about security — don’t leave things on display or cars unlocked, even if only for a short time.

“If there is anything shiny on show, even if just a few pounds, they will break in and it causes a lot of inconvenience for motorists.”

The police are asking the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Det Insp Pye added: “These crimes tend to happen overnight.

“People hear something and wake up in the middle of the night, go to the window, see someone outside and then go back to bed.

“We need people to report these suspicious circumstances to us on 101, or in an emergency by dialling 999.

“We will respond to this and check that these people have a lawful reason for being there.

“We want Bolton to be a safe place to park your car.”