Dear Residents

Officers are currently investigating a number of burglaries in the Tonge Moor, Crompton Village and Crompton Way areas of Bolton where offenders have gained access or tried to gain access to properties either through insecurities or using a technique called lock snapping. This is where offenders break the barrel of locks to gain entry to a property. 

Police are keen to give out prevention advice to assist members of the public in learning how they can protect themselves and their property from this type of offence.
 

We urge all residents to ensure that doors are kept locked at all times, check, check and check again.

Euro Cylinder locks can easily be upgraded to reduce the vulnerability to lock snapping with anti-snap cylinders being available from as little as £20 per unit, these can often be quickly and simply be replaced yourself by simply removing a single screw. 

Many manufactures and retailers offer online video guides. 

Please also find attached the current GMP leaflet regarding Lock snapping and crime reduction advice.

Officers from the neighbourhood teams are working hard to bring those responsible for these offences to justice and increasing our vigilance in the affected areas. 

Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 999 or 101 promptly. 

We will be sending further messages and visiting the affected areas in relation to CCTV shortly. 

Best Wishes;
Bolton North Neighbourhood Team.