Home Watch News LetterBolton South and Bolton West

(14/11/12 – 27/11/12)

Our Official Website: www.Boltonhomewatch.co.uk

Email us on: Bolton.partnershipteam@gmp.police.uk

1, – Operations update

2, – Bolton South Overview

3 – 5, - Bolton South Update

6, – Bolton West Overview

7 – 10, Bolton West Update

11, - Other News

12, - Letters of thanks

13, - Upcoming events/Police surgeries

Operation Advent

Greater Manchester Police has staged the first of a series of events to promote how to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.

Focusing on vehicle security, it marked the launch of Operation Advent, Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP’s) Christmas crime prevention campaign, and forthcoming events in December will raise awareness of burglary, robbery and alcohol-related crime.

As many people are now starting to do their Christmas shopping, GMP is raising awareness of vehicle security due to thieves being on the lookout for cars laden with gifts, or those parked in insecure locations.

Although vehicle crime has fallen by 17 per cent across Greater Manchester in the last 10 years, there were still 1,598 incidents in December 2011, with 447 involving vehicles being stolen while the remainder saw items taken from cars.

On Wednesday 28 November, Inspector Steve Gerrard of GMP’s Salford Division and Crime Reduction Specialist Darron Tickle were at the Lowry Retail Mall's multi-storey car park to explain what police are doing to tackle vehicle crime in the run up to Christmas, and to outline steps that motorists can take to avoid having their vehicles stolen, or to prevent items being taken from cars.

They also had a car on site decorated with gifts and valuables to illustrate how motorists often make their vehicles targets for thieves.

Darron Tickle said: “In the weeks leading up to Christmas when people are out shopping, car thieves are out looking for gifts and valuables left in unattended vehicles.

“To avoid becoming a victim of car crime, motorists should park in secure or well-lit areas wherever possible. They should also close all windows, set any security devices and remove all valuables, especially sat navs and their mounting cradles. All doors should be locked and checked manually, as automatic locking devices can sometimes suffer from interference.

Operation Advent Cont....

“If you must leave your vehicle unattended with Christmas shopping inside, make sure you lock it in the boot out of sight, and it’s worth remembering that some stores will keep gifts for you so you can collect them later.”

Police are also urging motorists to register valuables at www.immobilise.com and tosecurity mark them with their postcode and house number or vehicle registrationnumber.To prevent hook-and-cane thefts, householders should not leave keys on view and should makesure they are kept away from doors or windows.Under Operation Advent, police are focusing on a number of crimes that can increase in the runup to Christmas, such as burglary, car crime, handling and dealing stolen goods, robbery,shoplifting and theft.Other offences that are an issue around this time of year include drink and drug driving, alcoholfuelled violence and antisocial behaviour, domestic abuse and sex crimes.People can follow what police are doing for Operation Advent on GMP’s social media networks thatinclude Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and audioBoo. All related tweets on Twitter will containthe hash tag #GMPadventThey can also use these sites to find out what officers are doing to fight crime in their neighbourhood, comment onpolice activity and get advice on how they can keep themselves and their property safe from criminals.In addition, there will be an Advent calendar on the GMP website throughout December that will feature short dailyvideo clips of officers giving seasonal crime prevention advice.

Driveway cold caller

Please be aware of a trader going around Bolton, knocking on residents’ doors and offering to do work on your driveway.

In a recent incident, a Bolton based trader knocked on the door of an Astley Bridge resident. The resident was given a quote for re-laying the driveway but did not agree to have the work done. Three days later the same man knocked on the resident’s door at 8am having dug up the driveway and presented the resident with a higher quote. The trader refused to put back the driveway unless he was paid.

The safest advice is never to deal with traders who call uninvited. Do not even ask for a quote. Just say you are not interested and close the door. If a trader attempts to start work on your property without permission then contact the police straight away.

Please share this information with friends, relatives and neighbours.

To report rogue traders or to get advice you can contact Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or go to www.adviceguide.org.uk

To report suspicious callers you can ring Greater Manchester Police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.

Window warranty company

A Bolton resident has received a phone call from a trader who claimed to be a window warranty company. They claimed that there is a government scheme and the resident may be able to get further warranty for their windows. They wanted to send an inspector out for a home visit.

We are not aware of any particular government scheme relating to warranties on windows and we advise residents to treat such callers with suspicion.

Our advice is never to deal with traders who cold call.

If you have received a similar telephone call you can get advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or visit http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/

Please pass this information to family members, friends, neighbours and anyone you think maybe vulnerable.

We have just finished our 2 weeks of joint operations with the

Salford division; Operation Skyhawk.

During the operation we have executed over 70 search warrants

and 70 arrests made. We have also seized over 20 vehicles for various

reasons and recovered 140 cannabis plants.

The next few weeks will be focused on Anti social behaviour

Issues on the south and our Xmas town centre operation to protect the

retailers and community using the town centre. Our priority is still Burglary and

reducing the offences protecting victims and arresting the offenders as quickly as

possible.

We have had some very good weeks in relation to Burglary in November but had a

rise in offences last week this has now stopped but I would remind everyone to use

timer switches for lighting plans and change rooms with the timers etc. Make sure

you remove keys from patio doors we have had numerous breaks now where full

patio windows have been smashed to enable the offender to fully open the door

using keys left in. We have also had a break last week with car keys stolen via a pole

etc shoved through a letter box to hook keys on display and the car then being

stolen. Make sure your keys are well hidden and secured even when home.

Thank you, Inspector Kevin Lister

Farnworth and Moses Gate

There have been a number of burglaries to report in this area this past fortnight.The first on Campbell court the offender has attempted to force a window but failed to gain entry. On Greenfold Av the offender has entered via an insecure door and taken items from downstairs whilst the victim was upstairs. On Brentwood St the offenders have knocked on the front door and no one answered so they have waved through the front window and gone round the back and forced the kitchen window, entering. On Cawdor Av, Starcliffe St and Pear Tree Dr offenders have smashed windows to gain entry. However on Cawdor St the offenders failed to gain entry.

There has also been 5 theft from motor vehicles. On three occasions offenders have smashed a window to gain entry and on the other 3 the vehicles were insecure.

Please increase your home and vehicle security. Even when you are in your home, especially when upstairs; always ensure you lock your doors downstairs. If offenders see lights on upstairs and no-one downstairs they may use this as an opportunity to enter your homes. Also please ensure vehicles are locked and secure.

Farnworth Town Centre and South

There have been 4 burglaries to report in this area. There have been two burglaries on Gerrard St. The first address offenders have entered by removing beading from a temporary window put in from a previous burglary. Then in the second address offenders have removed the beading from the ground floor window and entered. On Ringley St there has also been two burglaries; the first offenders have kicked the front door in but got disturbed by the alarm. On the second address offenders have removed the rear patio door via unknown means to gain entry.

There has also been 4 theft from motor vehicles. The first offenders have forced a door on a motor home and attempted to start the vehicle but failed. There has also been a vehicle where the exhaust and catalytic convertor have been removed. In the other two offenses offenders have smashed windows to gain entry. Finally there has been one theft of a motor cycle where the offenders have wheeled it away.

Please advise residents especially on Gerrard St and Ringley St to always keep their homes locked and secured especially now the nights are getting darker. Burglars can use this darkness as cover to enter your homes without being seen.

Little Lever/Darcy Lever

There hasn't been a great deal to report in this area just one burglary and one theft of motor vehicle. The burglary occurred on Laurel Av here the offenders smashed the conservatory to gain entry into the address.The was also a theft of motor vehicle where the offenders entered and took the vehicle via unknown means.

Please remain vigilant with your home and vehicle security, these dark nights provide perfect cover for thieves and burglars.

Great Lever

There has been two burglaries to report the first on Stonemead close here the offenders have forced open the rear kitchen window but failed to gain entry as was disturbed by the victim. There was also one on Woodland Avenue, which occurred similar to the one on Stonemead. Again the offenders have forced the kitchen window to gain entry but disturbed by the victim.

There has also been theft from motor vehicles. There have been 3 occasions where offenders have smashed windows to gain entry and one where the offender has take the rear windscreen wiper. The last theft was done via unknown means.

Please advise residents to always lock and secure your homes and vehicles. Always ensure alarms are set as these can serve as good deterrents.

Harper Green

There have been 7 burglaries to report in this area over the past fortnight. On Plodder Lane the offender has attempted to force the kitchen window but failed. Then on Auberson Rd the offender has smashed a window to enter. On Martin Av the offenders have used body force to open insecure windows and then used a washing pole to unhook car keys from a hook inside and then taking the vehicle. There has also been a burglary on Glensdale Drive where the offender has smashed a window in the door then turned the keys left in the lock and entered. Also on Bradford St offenders have attempted to force the kitchen window but they failed and were later arrested. Finally on Colchester Dr the offender(s) have smashed the patio door to gain entry.

Finally there has been 4 theft from motor vehicles. On two occasions the offenders have smashed the windows to gain entry and another they have entered via unknown means. There has also been a theft from a coach, here the offender approached an unlocked coach and pressed the open door button, entered and took a bag from under one of the seat.

Never leave keys in the lock on the other side of the door. Offenders can smash the window then reach in and turn the key in the lock to enter. Also never leave keys or anything visible that can be seen through the letter box as seen above they will use any means necessary to reach the keys or property.

The West neighbourhood has seen some good reductions since

the last newsletter. Burglary and vehicle crime continue to fall.

Current activity is around Doffcocker, South of Captain's Clough. Ensure

all windows and doors secure, use night light and remove valuables from

your vehicle.

Horwich area has been targeted for sheds around poplar Avenue, ensure your shed is secure, and any bikes are locked inside sheds. Shed alarms can be purchased cheaply, or contact your neighbourhood team.

Also in the Horwich area lead attracts thieves so be on the lookout for people acting suspiciously, and any noise heard overnight should be investigated, alert the police who will investigate.

Now the cold weather is upon us, don't leave vehicles unattended in the morning with the engine running, car thieves are looking for an opportunity to steal a vehicle.

The West team launch Operation Tinsel this Saturday on the Middlebrook Retail Park this is the Christmas Operation which will see officers patrolling shopping areas. Shoplifting continues to fall with only one offence in the last 12 days.

Thank you, Inspector Chris Evans

Westhoughton North

There has been one theft from vehicle in this area where the offender has smashed the rear window to gain entry, taking items.

There was also a burglary from a garage where the offenders removed a window to gain entry and a second where they forced a shed door taking property.

Please ensure property is secure when unattended and nothing valuable is left on show within houses and vehicles.

Westhoughton South

There has not been many theft offences to report this fortnight. However, there has been one theft from motor vehicle to report. Here, the offender has removed the exhaust and catalytic converter.

Ensure vehicles are kept in a secure place when possible such as a garage or in a lit area.

Hulton

There have been two burglaries to report this fortnight. The first at Horridge Fold Avenue where the offender has forced the window to gain entry and taken items.The second at Earnshaw Street where the offender forced the rear ground door of the flat to remove items.

There has also been one theft from motor vehicle. The vehicle was left unattended and the offender forced the lock on the door to gain access.

Ensure vehicles are secure when unattended and always set vehicle alarms. Also ensure house alarms are set as these can serve as good deterrents.

Horwich North and East

Two burglaries have occurred in this area in the past two weeks. The first at Lever Park Avenue where the offender entered via an insecure front door, removing property and car keys and also taking the vehicle.

The second burglary occurred at Fearnhead Avenue. The offender has forced the ground door to gain entry and taken items.

There has also been one theft of motor vehicle. The vehicle was left unattended with keys in the ignition.

Advise residents against leaving keys in the ignition with engines running when defrosting their vehicles. Also ensure property is locked securely and alarms are enabled.

Horwich West, South and Blackrod

There has been one burglary to report in this area on Coinston Road. The offender has forced the conservatory door and smashed the internal patio door to gain entry inside the property, taking items.

There has also been two theft from motor vehicles. In the first, the offender has smashed the windscreen taking items. In the second the vehicle was insecure and a handbag was taken.

Please ensure vehicles are not left insecure with items on show, this gives opportunist thieves the opportunity to take your items.

Smithills North and South

There is one burglary to report here at Cloverdale Square. The offender has searched an insecure shed and also smashed the kitchen door to gain entry and take items.

There has also been two thefts from motor vehicles. The offender as smashed a window to gain entry in the first. The second vehicle was left insecure.

In this area, mainly on Smithills Croft Road and Chorley Old Road there have been a number of incidents involving the theft of lead flashing from properties. Please be aware of any workers (maybe wearing high vis) in your street who you think arouse suspicion.

Heaton and Lostock

There has been two burglaries to report in this area. The first on Arran Close the offender has forced the lock on the shed door; entered and removed a garden fork. The offender has then used the fork to remove the patio door from its hinges entering the property and taking the car keys and vehicle.On Oldstead Grove the offender has forced a window on the conservatory to enter.

Always ensure windows and doors are locked and secure on your property. Be careful when leaving garden tools in your shed when unlocked as offenders can enter and use these to break into your home with.

You should always call 999 in an emergency.

Call 101 to report a non-emergency incident or make a general enquiry.

You can contact your local neighbourhood team on:-

Bolton Town Centre - 0161 856 5619

Halliwell - 0161 856 5619

Rumworth - 0161 856 5619

Astley Bridge - 0161 856 5761

Bradshaw - 0161 856 5761

Breightmet - 0161 856 5761

Bromley Cross - 0161 856 5761

Crompton (Bolton) - 0161 856 5761

Tonge and The Haulgh - 0161 856 5761

Farnworth - 0161 856 5608

Great Lever - 0161 856 5608

Harper Green - 0161 856 5608

Kearsley - 0161 856 5608

Little Lever - 0161 856 5608

Heaton and Lostock - 0161 856 5689

Horwich and Blackrod - 0161 856 5689

Horwich North East - 0161 856 5689

Hulton - 0161 856 5689

Smithills - 0161 856 5689

Westhoughton North - 0161 856 5689

Westhoughton South - 0161 856 5689