POLICE have stepped up patrols in Leigh after burglars stole car keys from several homes.

They struck in Marine Parade, Station Road, and at another home in Eastwood by forcing windows. In each case they stole the keys but left without taking the car.

Sgt Penny Copeland, of Leigh police, said: “The fact they’ve taken the keys may suggest they are coming back later in the day. But in Marine Parade a neighbour blocked the owner’s car so should they come back they couldn’t get in. In another incident, the vehicle was moved to a different location.”

Sgt Copeland told a meeting of Leigh Crime Prevention Panel on Monday night: “Community support officers were asked to do high-visibility patrols in these areas, as well as the obvious follow-up visit by the burglary squad.”