PATROLS had to be stepped up in Golborne and Lowton West in an attempt to combat a rise in shed break-ins in the area.

A sharp increase in burglaries from sheds saw police step up their presence in the area which has led to arrests and a subsequent fall in the number of reported incidents, according to GMP.

Figures, released under a Journal freedom of information request, show burglaries from buildings other than a dwelling rose only in Golborne and Lowton West, up 27 to 83 in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13 while the same number of reported crimes fell in other areas.

Burglaries from a dwelling stayed roughly the same in most areas but saw a substantial rise in Atherton with 84 incidents reported in 2013/4 up from 61 in 2011/12.

In the same period, however, incidents in Lowton East fell from 41 to 25.

Thefts of pedal bikes also remained largely consistent apart from in Lowton East where the number reported jumped from eight in 2012/13 to 41 in 2013/14.

Lowton East also saw the highest rise in burglaries from buildings other than a dwelling. The number dropped from 64 in 2011/12 to 27 in 2012/13 before rising again to 60 in 2013/14.

The figures show that Tyldesley is the only area where the numbers for each crime fell or stayed the same while Golborne and Lowton West saw increases in most areas.

Insp Liz Sanderson said: “Patrols were stepped up in Golborne and Lowton West following an increase in shed breaks.

“We’ve made a number of arrests and I’m pleased to report that the number of incidents is starting to decrease.

“With regards to burglary we did see a very slight increase in Atherton when compared to the same period two years ago, however this is also beginning to fall and residents can be assured that we will not rest on our laurels.

“We are committed to reducing crime and keeping people safe and would encourage anybody who notices anything suspicious to get in touch.”