VICTIMS of burglary and robbery are invited to view an "Aladdin's cave" of stolen property at Bolton Central Police Station as part of a fresh bid to drive down crime.

Included in the haul are electrical items, jewellery, bikes, gardening equipment, leisure wear -- and some unusual items including garden gnomes.

An open day will be held at the station in Le Mans Crescent on Sunday between 10am and 4pm.

Police say all the property has been stolen in either burglaries or robberies.

Anybody who has had property stolen is invited to attend providing they bring personal identification and proof of purchase. Police say crime reference numbers would also help.

Sgt Bill Crittenden, of Bolton Police, said: "We have all this property and it is sad that often it cannot be returned to its owners.

"People should always mark their property and note down serial numbers. Taking pictures of expensive jewellery can also help."

The open day comes under Operation Kerr -- a bid to combat burglary across Bolton.

Police have also announced details of a burglary hotline number for residents to "shop" people they suspect of burglary or handling stolen goods. The number is 01204 370757.