POLICE have warned residents to be vigilant after a spate of burglaries.

The incidents have happened in Heaton and Lostock over recent weeks and have seen offenders targetting properties and their alarm systems.

Officers are now encouraging the public to take measures to protect themselves against such attacks and report any suspicious activities to the police.

A statement from GMP Bolton North said: "There have been a number of burglaries reported in the area over that last few weeks, please ensure your property is locked and secure when not at home and if you are going away, please inform a neighbour or key holder.

"Report anything suspicious to the Police. At present offenders are targeting the properties alarm system by tampering with the external wiring. If you have external fuse boxes on the outside of your address, ensure that the box is locked and secure."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.