Residents living in the centre of Leigh were today warned to be on their guard following a sudden spate of house burglaries.

Nearly 30 homes north of the Broadway and Leigh Road and south of London Road have been broken into via the front door.

On Monday there were five break-ins in the Elmsleigh Drive/Blenheim Crescent area just off London Road and police believe the same crook or partners in crime are responsible.

Community policing officers are now visiting residents to offer advice and to keep alert for any suspicious activity.

Sgt Dave Murray of Southend burglary squad said: "Over the last six weeks we have had 20-something burglaries - this wouldn't be unusual for the whole of Leigh but they have all taken place in a concentrated area.

"There is a pattern to the break-ins - they tend to take place in the late afternoons. Front door windows or windows near the door have been smashed to reach through and open the door. Money and jewellery has been stolen - not of a high value but easily pocketed items.

"People should make sure windows are secure and that timer switches are being used to come on when it gets dark."