Police in Whitefield and Prestwich are urging residents to be extra careful after a number of burglaries recently.

People calling at houses have pretended to be from the council and then stolen money from elderly residents.

Gaynor Mason, crime reduction advisor for Bury police said: “We would urge anyone who does have callers at the door to ask for identification. All official workers do carry identification and are pleased to show it. If you are still unsure then ring the company by looking up the number in the phone book. Any legitimate caller would be happy to wait while their credentials are being checked.

“People may feel embarrassed that they have become a victim of this type of crime but it’s important these crimes are reported, so we can investigate and catch the perpetrators.

If anyone knows the identity of the offender they should contact the priority crime unit at Bury on 0161 856 8179 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bury MBC Service Managers and Managers within partner agencies are requested to ensure that staff, who may have a need to call on residents in the borough, carry suitable identification at all times.

Last night was the meeting of Prestwich’s “Local Area Partnership”. It was only the second meeting of the Partnership in its new form, and it was good to see a wide range of partner organisations round the table. This included health (Bury PCT), police, fire service, schools, the youth forum, Prestwich Council of Churches as well as your local councillors.

The meeting discussed Alleygating (gating or partial gating of back alleys and ginnells). Bury Council is currently drafting a new policy on alleygating and we all urged the Council Officers to get on with drafting the policy. I asked if the council could be more supportive to small groups of local residents who are keen to estabish an alleygating scheme for their houses by ”clubbing together” to raise the money.

 We also received a report on street cleaning. At present Prestwich is cleaned on a six week rota, which obvoiously means that some areas can look messy again before their turn comes round again. We agreed to have a discussion with the cleansing team to see if some busy areas (e.g. the precinct) need cleaning more often. I asked about the review of street litter bins - I know that this has been an issue for some residents who live near Heaton Park. Some new bins are on their way, but the Council is limited by its small budget for this area.

The Area Partnership agreed its largest grant ever (£10,000) to support the refurbishment of the Rainsough Community Centre for young people - a very welcome move. The other half of the “community development money” that’s been given to Prestwich has been earmarked for the Polefield area. We’re going to agree how to spend this money at the next meeting - hopefully on activities for young people.

 The next meeting of Prestwich L.A.P. is on Tuesday 27 November 2007 at Sedgley Park Primary School (Kings Road). (Business meeting 6.30pm, public forum 7.30pm.)

 Tim