RESIDENTS throughout the borough are being encouraged to photograph their valuables before they are snapped up by thieves.

Taking photographic records of antiques, heirlooms and expensive goods will help trace or identify them if they are ever stolen.

Sergeant Bruce Howard from Bury's Operational Police Unit said: "This is a worthwhile and inexpensive method of protecting your property.

"The pictures can be used to alert others to their theft and to help trace items if they are recovered. They can also be used for insurance purposes.

"All the information about specific items, including the date it was bought, the cost, and any serial numbers, should be written on the back of the photographs and these should be stored away in a safe place."