LEIGH residents have set up their own neighbourhood watch after a spate of burglaries, thefts and acts of anti-social behaviour.

Crimes included six burglaries in one night at Mill Lane, Ennerdale Road, Chesnut Drive South, Glebe Street and Maple Crescent in Leigh and Martland Avenue in Lowton.

Greater Manchester Police Leigh say these burglaries, which took place last Wednesday night, were spread across five of the 19 areas that they look after and do not appear to be linked.

Another burglary in Slag Lane, Lowton, was reported to police on Tuesday in which the back door was smashed to gain entry to the property and keys and then the householder's vehicle was stolen.

And with other instances of burglaries, vehicle theft and anti-social behaviour blighting Leigh residents' lives they have decided to take matters into their own hands.

The neighbourhood watch has been set up by 51-year-old Yvette Clarke, of the Absolute Leigh Facebook group, after hearing people discuss criminal activity in the area.

She said: “I realised there was more and more thefts, people trying to take things and anti-social behaviour.

“All these things were getting mixed up with other things in the group so I set up my own page so we can get something done about it.”

Yvette is hoping to set up a meeting to allow members of the public and police and council officials to get involved.

She said: “My daughter’s car has been broken into twice and this just isn’t the Leigh that we know.

“I have spoken to some people who don’t feel safe enough to go out at night with all the crime because policing is scarce. I know they are busy but we all need help.

"There are a lot of people who are angry and could take the vigilante path as the people of Leigh are not used to this level of crime.”

A 22-year-old mother from Leigh, who did not want to be named, recently saw a man trying to enter her property through the back door.

She said: “I was so shocked but I was more worried about my nine-week-old baby than myself.”

Liz Sanderson, neighbourhood inspector for Atherton, Leigh and Hindley, said: “While investigations are ongoing, officers will be carrying out reassurance visits in the area and offering crime prevention advice.

“Simple tips such as ensuring windows and doors are locked, setting home and car alarms and reporting suspicious behaviour to us can deter thieves and could ultimately help stop you from becoming a victim of crime.”

JP Lock and Safe, a security company from Hindley, has joined forces with the scheme and is offering people free security surveys and a 20 per cent discount.

Owner James Palmer, said: “I don’t like people being frightened in their own homes. If people are worried then I want to help and give something back.”

For more information on the neighbourhood watch click here or contact JP Lock and Safe on 01942 367518.

To report any suspicious behaviour to police call 101.