A POLICE investigation has been launched after a spate of burglaries in Radcliffe.

Police believe the same man is responsible for three offences that have taken place in the last 24 hours.

At 11.15pm yesterday a man broke into a house in Ashcombe Drive before fleeing with cash and mobile phones when he was disturbed by the occupant.

Between 10.45pm yesterday and 8am this morning, someone approached another house on the same street and unsuccessfully tried to force the front door open.

The third offence occurred at 5.30am on Friday, with a Playstation 4, a netbook, and cash stolen from a house in Winston Close. The burglar then went upstairs where the victim was asleep and was chased from the house.

The offender has been described as white, of medium build and was wearing a dark blue raincoat with a circular emblem on the arm, and a dark blue baseball cap.

Police Constable Mike Taylor of Bury division said: “Because of the closeness of the addresses and similarities in the way the houses were targeted, we believe the same man may be responsible for all three incidents.

“I want to remind people to be vigilant and lock all windows and doors, so we can stop opportunistic thieves.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8202, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.