TRAFFORD police are urging residents to take an active role in helping to reduce the risk of their homes being burgled.

More than a third of burglaries in Trafford are carried out without any forced entry being required, said Pc Tony Crompton, Trafford's crime reduction advisor.

He explained: "Anything we can do to reduce the chances of being victimised has got to be worthwhile. Residents must stop leaving doors and windows open or insecure or thieves will continue to make them victims.

"Opportunist thieves are still taking advantage of people leaving their home doors and windows open or unlocked and victimising residents."

Mr Crompton added: "I appreciate that many residents come from a background where they did a lot of business on their doorsteps and neighbours almost shared homes but, sadly, those days are gone.

"One of the things I do at every public talk is to ask the audience about their experiences of victimisation and the memories of those victims are vivid.

"The details they recall convince me that an event of victimisation is up there with memories such as births, deaths, marriages, career and life achievements.

"Most of the list of memories are good ones - reduce the chances of being a victim being part of that list."

For further information contact the crime reduction office on 0161 856 7546.