A PLEA has been made for help to prevent young people from falling into a life of crime.

Residents in the Deane area have been warned to keep an eye on their cars after a number of break-ins.

A rise in crime has been reported with some blame falling at the door of a small number of youngsters.

A police spokesman issued the alert at Rumworth Area Forum on Wednesday night.

He said: "We are experiencing very high crime in the Deane area at the minute. Everyone should be vigilant and make sure none of their valuables are left on show in their vehicles. Leave your glove box open to show there's nothing there and be vigilant.

"A small minority of youngsters are committing the offences in the area.

"There is one specific group and two specific boys who have been targeted by us on a regular basis. it is taking up quite a lot or our time."

Melbourne Road Methodist Church has also been subject to problems with vandalism over the summer holidays.

Rev. Carolyn Lawrence said a bus stop outside was set on fire and youngsters were seen climbing on the church roof.

She questioned what provisions were available to keep young people entertained and busy when out of school.

She added: "There was damage to the roof but to think if a youngster on the roof fell off it would be horrendous."

Joyce Davis, aged 69 from Oriel Street, also made a plea for extra work into crime prevention.

She said: "Sometimes how much you spend doesn't make a difference. It needs to go back to the families.

"If the family do not give guidelines then you still have a problem."

The spokesman from the police said they had tried to engage with the young boys concerned but had no success.

Councillors explained that government cuts to the Bolton Council budget meant there was not enough funding left for projects for out-of-school hours and early intervention but community organisations like the UCAN centre were stepping in to help locally – including sign-posting to useful services.

Meeting chairman, Cllr Ismail Ibrahim added: "We try to promote with parents for the summer holidays things that are available to attend. It's not youth provision but there is some form of activity in place.

"Once someone is actively involved in a particular type of anti-social behaviour it is a struggle to get them involved in something else.

"It's a slippery slope."