Ashton residents warned to 'be vigilant' after man seen attempting to open door handles

Lancashire police are encouraging residents to lock their doors after Ashton locals were left scared for their safety when a man was seen attempting door handles in the area.
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People in Ashton and Lea are being warned to keep a look out after a man was caught trying to open front doors around the Cotty Brook area of Lea Town on Friday, October 23.

Concerns were raised after a neighbour had caught the unidentified gentleman trying door handles, before he drove away in a car with a covered license plate.

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In a public Facebook post, Elaine Greaves, posted images taken from CCTV footage outside her daughter Michelle's house.

Police are appealing for information about this manPolice are appealing for information about this man
Police are appealing for information about this man

She said: "Beware of this guy, he knocked and tried to open my daughter's door yesterday at around 4pm. She had only left the house 10 minutes earlier.

"He was confronted by one of her neighbours and when asked what he was doing, he jumped in his car and sped off. His number plate was covered over so you can't see his registration. Police have been informed."

The CCTV recording, shared to social media, shows the young male, wearing a dark green hooded jacket and dark jogging bottoms, walk up to the front door and knock, before trying the handle and then walking away.

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Sergeant Dan Wood, of the Preston neighbourhood policing team, said: "Lancashire Police received a call on October 24 reporting a witness had seen a male trying car door handles around the Cotty Brook Area of Lea Town, Preston at around 16:10 hours that day.

"A white male is seen to try a door handle at an address but was not able to gain entry. The male has then driven off in a gold coloured Volvo with the number plates removed.

"Incidents like these can leave victims understandably shaken up and is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring your property is locked and secured.

"Lancashire Police are currently investigating the incident and if anyone has witnessed anything that could be of assistance, contact Lancashire Police and quote log number LC-20201023-1485."