Police are warning homeowners to be on the look-out following a spate of burglaries in Leigh.

Since October, 64 break-ins have been reported in the Chalkwell and Blenheim wards.

About a third of the items stolen have been electrical goods and police believe certain thieves are targeting plasma screen televisions in particular.

Det Insp Steve Jones thought crooks may be targeting houses with empty packaging outside.

He said: "People sometimes don't think before throwing out large boxes that may have housed a new plasma screen or a new laptop computer that they got for Christmas or brought in the sales.

"I've seen boxes like this left in full view on people's driveways.

"Thieves notice these things too and may then target the property."

Police believe some of these crimes are linked and are being carried out by the same thieves using a van to transport the stolen goods.

Det Insp Jones said: "These are large items to remove from a house so we believe that a vehicle is involved. In one incident the thieves had wrapped up the plasma screen in a duvet and left it in the hallway ready to go.

"The owner then returned home in the meantime and looked out of the window in time to see a van slowing down outside her house, before speeding off. This suggests the thieves had intended to return in the van to collect the TV. "

Det Insp Jones urged anyone who is offered a plasma screen television for sale locally, or who notices suspicious activity in their street, to contact police on 01702 431212.