A NUMBER of burglaries have been foiled after residents heeded crime prevention advice, say neighbourhood police.

Officers recently issued a warning after a rise in the number of burglaries involving lock snapping.

Lock snapping involves breaking a cylinder in two by applying force and exposing the internal mechanism.

Police urged residents to purchase and fit anti-lock snapping barrels from an approved and registered locksmith.

And thanks to their advice would-be burglars have been unable to gain entry in property.

Superintendent Chris Downey from Bury Police Station said: "A number of attempt burglary offences have been recorded in which offenders have snapped the lock on doors but failed to gain entry as the door was fitted with an anti-snap theft lock.

"We have recently been circulating advice regarding this crime prevention device and it is now paying dividends.

"Although the lock will need replacing, offenders are not getting access to the house, therefore keeping you, your family, your valuables and your car safe. Our crime scene examiners have identified several of these locks when attending recent reports of attempt burglary.

"In the last seven days at least four offences have been foiled by an anti-snap lock."