POLICE in Bury are urging the Muslim community to be vigilant and check their home security as they look forward to celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.

Last year, before and during Ramadan, there were burglaries across the borough that targeted Asian households containing gold jewellery and other items.

Ramadan begins on August 22, and at this time of year Muslims make regular visits to mosques. They are urged to use deadlocks on external doors and windows and burglar alarms to help deter intruders.

As part of the force-wide Operation Storm burglary initiative, police urge residents to take extra care of their valuables and to store them securely in safety deposit boxes in banks and building societies.

Chief Insp Sean Hogan, of the Bury division, said: “We want to ensure people can continue their religious obligations without fear of becoming a victim of crime.”

Cars parked outside religious buildings during prayer times should also be locked and items such as handbags, purses and phones removed or kept out of view.