By Brian Gomm BURGLARS have been having a field day around Leigh with Atherton town centre particularly targeted last week.

But police investigating a series of 27 reported house raids between June 23 and 29 say the best way of combating crime is to make life less easy for the thieves.

Nine of last week's offences were committed in a small area off Atherton Town centre.

Chief Insp Bill Dyke, of Leigh police, said: "We know how distressing it is to have your home burgled. We are doing everything we can to catch these thieves -- and catch them we will. In the meantime, I appeal to everyone to follow the basic crime-prevention tips that we regularly give out."

In Atherton last week, the thieves had mixed success.

In one Saturday night raid, they forced open a rear window and stole a large amount of cash before escaping through the back door.

Insp Dyke said: "When you lock your doors at night, remember to take the keys out of the door and keep them somewhere safe. Don't make it easy for them.

"If you have got large amounts of cash, keep it in the bank."

The same night, thieves tried to break into two other houses in the same way, attempting to force windows and a patio door. They were unable to get in.

"The advice is to fit fit good-quality locks to windows and doors -- it pays," said Insp Dyke.

In the early hours of Monday, a house was broken into and the thieves got away with a hi-fi system, two power sanders, two mobile phones and some house keys.

Again they let themselves out by unlocking the front door and this time they took the keys. The occupant has had to change all the locks.

Mobile phones are popular targets for thieves and phone owners should make sure they are marked and keep a note of serial numbers. If your phone has a lock code, make sure you use it.

On Monday afternoon, thieves got into a house through an open window and took bank books and another mobile phone.

Insp Dyke said: "Even in warm weather, please don't leave your windows open wide enough for someone to reach or climb in."

At about 6.30am on Thursday, a young man tried to force a ground-floor window at a house and was disturbed by the occupant.

The would-be thief fled. He was white, 16-18 years old, of slim build and wearing a cream baseball cap, dark drawstring coat, track suit bottoms and dark, dirty trainers.

Insp Dyke believes the best way to deter burglars is to make sure there

is someone in.

He said: "They are cowards who don't like being disturbed or caught. I know it's not possible to always have someone in so make it look like the house is occupied. Use electric timers not only on lights but on TVs and radios.

"Also note the value of a good-quality alarm. You would be surprised, however, the number of householders who have alarms but don't use them."

Police also warn against leaving your home unguarded for a short period.

Last Friday afternoon, a resident left the back door unlocked and thieves made off with a large amount of cash, a portable TV, a hi-fi, a mobile phone and two shoulder bags.

Insp Dyke said: "If you leave your home, even for the shortest time, make it secure.

"I am sure we all hate the idea of these very sad thieves making a living out of other people's misery and misfortune."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 8725050, or Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.