Det.Sgt Bill Nelson's CrimeFile: DURING the previous month or so, there has been an escalation in the amount of robberies that have taken place in Leigh and the surrounding area.

A large proportion of the property stolen are cigarettes. The main method of disposal of this property is by selling to local residents in pubs and the like.

To many recipients these cigarettes, the practice of buying them would seem to be acceptable as the general consensus is that they have been 'smuggled' in the country and, although an unlawful practice, the only offence committed is the avoidance of tax on the item.

The reality, is that a goodly proportion of the cigarettes have been obtained by cowards who have threatened violence and intimidated your friends and colleagues who work in the retail industry while carrying out robberies. Don't buy these cigarettes as you are encouraging these criminals to carry out violent acts. Locally, it may be a relative of yours who is the next victim.

The police at Leigh are doing all they can to catch the perpetrators but if you have any information to assist, contact the CID at Leigh on 0161 856 7352 or crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

A lot of car owners are still leaving out property on view in their vehicles which is an open invitation to a criminal!!! If you are shopping, visiting a friend or leaving the car outside for a few minutes, always remove anything of any value from open display. It only takes seconds for a cowardly thief to force open a door or break a window, and it is amazing what they will take. Put everything into the boot or take items of value, such as a handbag and contents with you.