THE streets in Warrington most commonly targeted by burglars have been revealed.

A Freedom of Information request by the Warrington Guardian to Cheshire Police has revealed the top 10 roads where the highest number of burglaries have taken place over the past five years.

And Warrington Road in Culcheth topped the list, with 49 break-ins between 2014 and 2018.

Second was Barnard Street in Sankey Bridges with 47, followed by Poplars Avenue and Grasmere Avenue in Orford – which were targeted 41 and 37 times respectively.

Common Lane in Culcheth had the fifth-highest number of burglaries, while the top 10 was rounded off by Manchester Road, Lovely Lane in Whitecross, Orford Lane, Sankey Street in the town centre and Knutsford Road.

Meanwhile, Europa Boulevard in Westbrook was the most commonly targeted road in Warrington during 2018 - with a total of eight break-ins.

London Road in Stockton Heath, Chester Road, Winwick Road, Rushgreen Road in Lymm and Newhaven Road in Orford also featured in he top 10 for last year.

Cheshire Police’s chief inspector Simon Meegan said: “While these figures may sound concerning its important that they are put into context.

“These statistics relate to the total number of burglaries that have occurred over a four year period and all of the hotspots identified are roads which contain a large number of properties and business premises.

“However, I want to reassure local residents that we treat all reports of burglary extremely seriously and we are committed to doing all that we can to remove those responsible for such incidents from our streets and make Warrington a safer place to live, work and visit.”

The force has also urged residents to take steps to protect their properties from burglars - and have issued top tips on how to do so.

Insp Meegan added: “Are you making sure your windows and doors are locked and secure, even if you are at home, to make it difficult for opportunists?

“We also advise people not to leave valuables, or keys, near windows where they can be seen from the outside - it is an added incentive for a burglar if they know there is something good on offer, before they go in.

“Security lights on the outside of the house are a good investment - they will remove some of the disadvantage of the darker autumnal evenings.

“More often than not, traditional burglars target houses while the occupier is out.

“It is worth spending a few pounds on time switches to turn some inside lights on as daylight fades - if the house looks occupied the burglar will hopefully turn away.

“Think about investing in a security alarm system and if you have one fitted be sure to set it every time you go out and when you go to bed.

“Some of the best crime prevention devices are your eyes - burglars will usually spend time looking round a street to decide which houses are vulnerable.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously, call police on 101 and report it, or 999 in an emergency - you may be doing your neighbours, or yourself, a big favour.”

The 10 streets in Warrington with the highest number of burglaries between 2014 and 2018:

1. Warrington Road in Culcheth 49

2. Barnard Street, Sankey Bridges 47

3. Poplars Avenue, Orford 41

4. Grasmere Avenue, Orford 37

5. Common Lane, Culcheth 31

6. Manchester Road 29

7. Lovely Lane, Whitecross 28

8. Orford Lane 27

9. Sankey Street, town centre 26

= Knutsford Road 26

The roads in Warrington with the most break-ins in 2018:

1. Europa Boulevard, Westbrook 8

2. London Road, Stockton Heath 7

= Poplars Avenue, Orford 7

= Lovely Lane, Whitecross 7

= Chester Road 7

6. Winwick Road 6

= Manchester Road 6

= Rushgreen Road, Lymm 6

= Common Lane, Culcheth 6

10. Newhaven Road, Orford 5