POLICE have urged homeowners to be vigilant after TWELVE properties in the town were targeted in burglaries at the weekend.

In total, 38 burglaries or attempted burglaries were reported across Cheshire – with a dozen of these coming in Warrington.

Homes, sheds, garages and businesses were targeted during the spate of break-ins while cars were also taken from the driveways of these properties.

Cheshire Police’s chief superintendent Bill Dutton said: “The public can aid our fight against such crimes by contacting us if they see burglaries being carried out or anyone acting suspiciously in their area.

“Information in relation to anyone carrying out, or suspected to be carrying out, burglaries will also be gratefully received.

“Cheshire residents can also help us and themselves by making it as difficult as possible for criminals to break into their homes, sheds, garages and businesses.

“They can do this by following our anti-burglary advice.”

Two houses in Warrington were broken into, while keys were stolen through the letterboxes of two properties.

One business was targeted in a burglary, while attempted break-ins were reported at two more homes.

And five sheds were also burgled in the town.

A ‘significant’ number of burglaries also took place in Widnes, Runcorn, Crewe and Ellesmere Port over the weekend while further break-ins were reported in Mere, Frodsham, Wilmslow, Winsford, Chester, Macclesfield, Congleton, Alsager and Smallwood.

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Top tips to prevent burglaries include not leaving valuables on display near windows or doors, avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your home and to fit burglar alarms in your property.

Good external security lighting is encouraged, while businesses should be aware of persons loitering near their premises – as well as people in vehicles watching their property.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.