POLICE are warning residents to protect their homes by ensuring their doors and windows are locked after a spate of 'sneak-in' burglaries.

A number of such crimes, in which thieves have entered into a home through doors and windows, have been reported in Bolton in the last five days, police say.

The incidents are said to have been reported in the Over Hulton area.

In a statement shared on social media, GMP Bolton South said: "Over the last five days there have been four reported 'sneak in' burglaries in and around the Over Hulton area of Bolton where entry was gained via insecure doors and windows.

"Opportunist thieves can be in and out of your home within seconds. Please keep doors and windows locked."