THREE cars were stolen in Leigh yesterday after thieves broke into houses to steal car keys.

Police are urging people to be extra vigilant after the gang broke in and took keys which had been left next to the doors.

DS Bill Nelson from Leigh Operational Policing Unit said: "People should be extra careful where they leave their house and car keys.

"It is advisable not to leave them on display as it is an invitation for thieves. These people can be in and out of your house within seconds causing a lot of upset and inconvenience."

The incidents occured at the following times and places:

Shortly after midnight a pale blue Vauxhall Astra reg, F858 EGG, was stolen from an address on Car Bank Street, Atherton.

At 4.12am a Rover 620I, reg M696 KPG was stolen from an address on Turnberry Close, Astley -

this vehicle was later recovered at 4.28am on Pennine Lane, Lowton.

And at 5.04am an MG ZT, registration MD51 EER, was stolen from an address on Carr Street, Leigh - this also was later recovered in Leigh after its tracking device was activated.

Anyone who witnessed any of these incidents or who has any further information is asked to contact Leigh CID on 0161 856 7352 or Crimestoppers

on 0800 555 111.