A NEIGHBOURHOOD watch group has raised concerns that crime in Breightmet is getting "more serious" after a number of incidents in recent months.

Breightmet Blackshaw Neighbourhood Watch was officially formed earlier this year to act as a network for residents to report incidents that have happened in the district.

There has been a spike in serious incidents in recent months which has made people "worried".

A man was a stabbed on Toronto Street on November 2, which followed a "violent disturbance" on Blair Lane on October 17.

There was also another stabbing on Swinside Road on August 21.

Chris Abalain, the group co-ordinator, said: "Over the last six months in Breightmet has changed.

"We have had different things going on from thefts of vehicles to certain types of crimes in certain areas before.

"But the incidents are getting more serious.

"It is worrying to everyone in the group.

"There have been things like stabbings happening.

"Breightmet has always had a reputation but on the whole people are friendly and welcoming.

"There's always been an underbelly that people do not see though and crime has been around.

"It's like people are taking more risks to do crimes now and they are not worried about being caught."

As well as a Facebook following of around 900 people, the group has two WhatsApp groups, one for alerts and another one, which allows messages about crime as well as more light-hearted conversation.

The latter group helps keep people connected in the community amid the pandemic too.

Mr Abalain said the group has also been instrumental in helping police to identify criminals through CCTV pictures, which have led to convictions.

Members often respond with information about incidents to help others who have been victims of crimes.

The group, which regularly shares details of reported crimes on social media, has a good relationship with the neighbourhood policing team as well, along and Breightmet's councillors in efforts to crack down on crime.

"We have had some good success", Mr Abalain said.

"People have been arrested and convicted as we have a network of people who have used cameras.

"If we post something police will look at it.

"If criminals know they are going to be all over social media the less likely they are going to risk committing a crime.

"We are there to help and give as much information to the police as we can."

Mr Abalain also urges residents to carry on reporting incidents to police.

For more information visit the group's Facebook page.