Fence panels were removed as a gang targeted a house in Bolton.

The four burglars struck in Farnworth on December 8. 

A spokesperson from GMP Bolton South Neighbourhood Team said: "Officers attended reports of a burglary on the early hours of December 8 in Farnworth, Bolton.

The Bolton News: Burglars hit a house in FarnworthBurglars hit a house in Farnworth (Image: Pixabay)

"The incident occurred around 0.45am in which four offenders were seen in the front garden of an address and have removed a side panel to gain access to the garden.

"For more information on home to keep your home safe this winter please visit: https://orlo.uk/0KhG4." 

Earlier this year police hailed Operation Castle, which aimed to crack down on burglary, as a success. 

From 2021 to this year GMP has arrested 4544 individuals, and incidents of burglary have decreased by 21 per cent.

The Bolton News: The recovered Mercedes vanThe recovered Mercedes van (Image: GMP)

From July 2021 to July this year, GMP solved 39 per cent more residential burglaries.

Elsewhere in Farnworth, officers seized a Mercedes van on Loxham Street which had previously been stolen from a 'forecourt'. 

The spokesperson added: "Neighbourhood officers from the Farnworth and Kearsley Neighbourhood team attended an incident whereby a Mercedes van was stolen from a forecourt in Bolton last week.

"Officers sighted then pursued this vehicle towards Loxham Street in Moses Gate where it was then seized and returned to its rightful owner."