CARELESS Bolton homeowners have been accused of leaving the door open to help the town's crooks cash-in on a crimewave.

Shock figures indicate that up to a THIRD of all break-ins are a direct result of residents leaving their doors unclocked or windows open.

During the last six weeks 228 burglaries were recorded at local homes on the south side of Bolton. On 64 occasions the thieves were able to walk or climb into the homes through open doors or windows.

The warm weather over the last two or three weeks has led to an increase in the number of homes broken into, due to windows being left open often through the night.

Bolton Police Community Safety Officer, PC Stuart Ashall, said: "It is understandable that during the warm weather people will be tempted to leave their windows open, especially the elderly."

But he warned: "People should be aware, though, that open windows and unlocked doors are open invitations to thieves, especially on the ground floors."

He said if more thought was taken by homeowners last month 64 fewer burlaries would have been reported to the police.

PC Ashall also warned homeowners not to leave ladders or garden "furniture" outside their homes if they could assist the thieves into climbing through upper windows. Wheelie bins should also be secured so the thieves cannot use them to climb up drainpipes or to windows.

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