A COUNCILLOR is warning residents to be vigilant after a spate of burglaries targeting jewellery at Asian households.

Redvales Cllr Tamoor Tariq, who lives in Gigg Lane, was burgled on Saturday afternoon when thieves left with around £1,500 worth of jewellery and a briefcase.

Bury Police say that a further two properties were burgled on the same night in nearby Market Street.

It is believed police think the break-ins are connected.

Cllr Tariq and his family were away when the house was targeted.

He said: “One of the items of jewellery stolen was a present to my sister from my grandma for her wedding day, and she has been sobbing about it every day.

“The bedrooms were turned upside down.”

The briefcase, which belongs to Cllr Tariq’s father, was later found in nearby Bury cemetery. The case had been forced open.

The burglars got into the house between 3.30pm and 5pm by forcing a back door.

Burglars also got into the houses in Market Street through the back doors..

Cllr Tariq said: “I would urge residents, given the time of year, to be cautious when they leave the house, and to make sure their valuables are secure.”

Police are urging residents to keep photographs of items to help identify them, and being careful about information put on social networking websites.