POLICE in Tameside have issued a warning to residents after a sharp rise in attempted burglaries in one part of the borough.
Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside South and West team has reported an increase in attempted burglaries in the Dane Bank area of Denton – in particular around Windsor Road and Dane Road.
It comes as darker nights and mornings set in following the clocks going back an hour, plunging properties into darkness and thus attracting burglars.
Officers are recommending households take precautionary steps to secure their homes in a bid to deter thieves.
One suggestion is using light timers – a simple plug-in mechanism that can be set to turn lights on and off at varied times.
They also advise keeping windows and doors closed and locked where possible, and avoid leaving packaging from expensive items outside the front door as burglars target homes they think will contain valuables.
Police say burglars often are aware of the times when someone is expected to be away from their house – such as during the school run – and can choose a home because they have spotted a specific vehicle, motorbike or bicycle they want to steal.
Sheds and garages are often vulnerable, police say, as they are not that secure and contain tools which the burglar can use to assist them to gain access to a home.
More crime prevention tips can be found at https://www.gmp.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime