Police: ‘New homes could be vulnerable to burglars’

COPS IN WARNING OVER ‘POSSIBLE DESIGN ISSUE’

POLICE are warning of a ‘possible design issue’ which could make homes on a new housing estate vulnerable to burglars.

It follows a break-in where burglars used a crowbar to prise out a window after slicing through the silicone around the frame.

A police leaflet sent to properties on the East Avenue estate in Openshaw urges homeowners to get in touch with the builder Lovell Homes to ‘request an examination of your property.’

The leaflet, sent out earlier this week, says: “Please note that police were called to a report of a burglary in the area whereby the offenders had entered the rear garden of the property and sliced the silicone around the window.

“They have used what is believed to be a crowbar to lever out the window as it was not bolted to the wall. Police have made attempts to contact Lovell in regards to a possible design issue; however we are still waiting for a response at this time.

“Police would like to reassure local residents that there will be an increase in patrols in the area due to the nature of this incident.

“We would advise that if you have recently moved into a Lovell property to request an examination of your property through Lovell as it might be an isolated case or recurring issue that can be easily fixed by fixing the frame to the wall.”

A GMP spokesman told the Manchester Evening News the leaflets were sent out as a ‘precaution’ and that police were now working with Lovell Homes to establish the extent of the issue.

David Haines, 28, moved into his four-bed semi on the estate in June 2018.

He said: “There have been quite a few break-ins, it seems like the burglars have somehow cottoned on to this defect. Everyone’s bought security cameras, but that’s not really the solution.

“It’s very concerning. I just want a house that we can live in, a house that’s not going to be targeted by burglars because they know they can get in.”

In a statement Lovell Homes said the firm had not been contacted by police.

The statement said: “Lovell Homes has been made aware of a flier sent to a number of residents at its East Avenue development in Openshaw.

“Lovell Homes has not previously been contacted by Greater Manchester Police regarding the incident mentioned. We have contacted Greater Manchester Police and are currently working with them to confirm the original source of this notice.”