NELSON'S COLUMN By Dt Sgt Bill Nelson

BURGLARS beware! A crack police team which specifically targets burglars is based at Leigh Police Station.

The specialist team is in addition to the uniformed staff who deal with burglary investigation and crime prevention.

Their brief is to investigate and target known burglars. Compact disc players are the latest target for vehicle thieves with a number having been stolen from cars throughout the Leigh area.

These items however are not sold generally through second-hand outlets and it is thought there is a specific person or group who are handling this property.

Without the handler there would be no thieves as the point of disposal is automatically removed.

I would ask for any information as to where the property is being disposed of to be forwarded to the local police via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If we can stop them selling stolen goods or at least make it more difficult for them to operate then the amount of items stolen will definitely decrease.

New offenders and ones that visit Leigh are also being targeted with the emphasis on the arrest of distraction type offenders -- bogus officials -- as they prey on the most vulnerable members of our community. Any information as to who these people are, where they are operating, what they are stealing and where the stolen property is being sold on will be gladly received and acted upon. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555111.

With these additional resources and hopefully public information I'm sure we can make a big impact on this base and uncaring underclass within our community which is intent on causing a blight on our quality of ;life.

Det Sgt Bill Nelson