LEIGH police have issued a warning to licensees selling alcohol outside of licensing hours following the conviction of a Golborne pub landlord.

Last month a licencee was found guilty of serving alcohol outside of licensing hours and obstructing police. He was fined a total of £150 with £325 costs and £150 compensation to pay.

"This should act as a reminder to all licensees," said a police spokesman. "If offences are brought to the notice of the police they will be investigated and if necessary prosecutions will follow."

There has been a spate of malicious damage in the Hindley town centre area especially on Market Street. These offences have mainly occurred in the evening and early hours.

Golborne and Lowton have been hit by a number of burglaries. An unusual method of gaining entry used in two of these crimes has been to turn the mortice key left in the rear door using some kind of implement. The prevention advice for this is obvious; make sure keys are not left in doors! Simple security measures like this can avoid a crime from being committed.

Remember that crimes occur at any time of the day. If you see anything suspicious please contact the police.

Leigh police want the public to ask themselves if they are doing enough to safeguard themselves and their property.

They have issued a list of points for consideration that will hopefully prevent or deter a thief.

Out of the total number of domestic burglary offences recorded in certain areas of the Leigh Subdivision, at least 10pc were committed via insecure doors. This includes rear doors and they have occurred at various times of the day and night.

Make sure that your perimeter fence/wall is in good condition and that repairs to seal any gaps are completed.

If you have got a gate that can prevent access from the front of your home into the rear garden/yard area lock it!

Lock your Front/Back door at all times when it is not being used. This could prevent another crime.

There has recently been an increase in the theft of wheels from vehicles. These have occurred in the main on private driveways and have been committed overnight.

The use of locking wheelnuts is an option to consider.

Installation of a passive infra red sensor activated light with an internal alarm could provide an early warning device that intruders are on the driveway.

Any details regarding suspicious persons/vehicles seen in your area should be reported to the police.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PREVENT CRIME.