Remain vigilant amid spate of raids - police

AN URGENT appeal has been issued by police in a bid to combat a continuing daylight burglary blitz.

In just three months, more than 80 homes in Saddleworth have been targeted in a spate of raids which have sent shockwaves throughout villages.

And although some attacks have focussed on detached, isolated properties, thieves have also carried out robberies in the heart of some villages breaking windows and snatching valuables from homes between 8am and into afternoons.

Patrolling

Last week, the Chronicle revealed armed police were patrolling the community supplementing hard-pressed uniformed officers and PCSOs.

But now, in a bid to enforce the security message, the Saddleworth policing team has made a direct appeal to villagers.

Underpinned by the slogan "if you see something ­- say something" officers have stepped up their public engagement.

Over the weekend police arrested a man prowling near homes in Grasscroft after being spotted by watchful householders. But earlier, there were reports of burglaries at homes in Dobcross and Diggle.

"Police believe Saddleworth is being targeted by teams travelling from over the Pennines and other areas. We are suffering a continued rise in burglaries and there seems to be no let up," said a police statement.

"We have identified a number of criminal teams but we need the public to be vigilant and report anything you see or something or someone you're not happy with.

"You are not wasting our time. We need you all to be our eyes and ears across Saddleworth more now than at any other time.

"There has definitely been an increase in people reporting individuals who have later been stopped and spoken to by us."

And they promised: "We will support you to the hilt. We will not rest until we have brought closure to our community."