Residents have been urged to vigilant after a spate of car crime in recent weeks.

The area around Devonshire Road in Heaton has recently seen vehicle crimes, with youths reportedly trying car doors and stealing items from inside.

Heaton & Lostock Ward Councillor Andy Morgan said: “Ward Councillors and GMP colleagues are acutely aware of the increase in vehicle crime in the area and are working together to tackle those that are committing these crimes but also raising awareness with residents on how they can reduce the risk to their vehicles.

“Simple things such as using steering locks and faraday bags for keyless entry cars and removing all personal belongings when leaving the vehicle can reduce the chance of the vehicle being tampered with or stolen.

“It is also advisable that if you park your vehicle on the street that you should avoid dark and secluded areas.”

Cllr Morgan continued: “Residents who benefit from off street parking should consider fitting sensory lighting and CCTV or doorbell cameras.

“GMP’s Operation Avro continues to step up action to address the priorities of the communities they serve, car crime being one of them.”

Cllr Robert Allen of Heaton and Lostock said: "Most car crime is opportunistic, thieves will walk along terraced streets trying car doors and looking through windows.

"The police advice is to make sure your car is locked and never leave anything on show in the car. Thieves will cause a thousand pounds of damage just to see what is in the carrier bag you left on the back seat.

"I am afraid I have no sympathy for people who leave phones, laptops or handbags on show in their cars."

Cllr Allen continuned: "Vehicle crime is a police matter and residents should always report any theft.

"You may think the police do not respond but reporting crime helps them build up a picture of hotspots or even individual thieves so they can target resources.

"There is little the council can do other than highlight the issue to the public and encourage training and employment to help criminals reform."

Residents spoke about one such incident in the Heaton area.

David Wright, aged 47, from Heaton said: “I heard somebody talking, it felt like they were messing about and banging a car with hands.

“Didn’t see anybody, it was half past two I would say. I thought they were just drunk walking down the street.”

He continued: “Has happened before where a lot of cars have had their windows in.

“Grabbed whatever was in the car. It goes quiet for a good while but then comes back.

“Luckily I’ve never had mine done personally.

“You can’t leave anything in your car now.

“One guy had drum kits in his car and they nicked it."

Another resident in the area said: “My neighbour rang police.

“It’s just pretty frightening. Every night before you go to bed you do check on your car.

“It’s the thought they’re doing it. For me the balaclavas spook me out.

“And I hear they were caught on Devonshire Road.

“You’re trying to protect your property, one part says don’t but the other bit is a little reluctant to get involved.

“When they’re wearing balaclavas there’s no point in having those doorbell cameras.”