Police Launch High Profile Blitz On Car Crime

Date published: 20/01/2009

Police in Bury are launching a major two-week blitz on vehicle crime.

Operation Toledo is a multi-agency initiative designed to tackle serious acquisitive vehicle crime in the borough.

The operation will run from 26 January to 6 February and will see police working alongside partners including Bury Council and local businesses to reduce the number of vehicles being broken into.

Officers will also conduct high-profile patrols to increase public reassurance.

Police Community Support Officers will be providing crime prevention advice and demonstrating the Safe Plate screw system - which prevents thieves from stealing number plates from vehicles - at locations including:

· Tesco car park, Woodfield Retail Park, Bury on 26 January and 5 February
· Asda car park, Pilkington Way, Radcliffe on 28 January

The AA will also be in attendance to help give advice and distribute car crime prevention packs.

Chief Inspector Sean Hogan said: “Prevention, education and enforcement are the three themes of this operation.

“While Bury has some of the lowest incidents of vehicle crime in Greater Manchester we remain vigilant. Operation Toledo is not just about enforcement, it is also has an equally important role to reassure the public and make them more aware of how to avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime.”

Crime Reduction Advisor Gaynor Mason said: “Vehicle owners can take a few simple steps to make their vehicles more secure such as not leaving valuables on show and leaving the glove box open to show it’s empty.

“Also, make sure your vehicle is locked by physically trying the handle after you have used your fob, and don’t be tempted to lock your vehicle from a distance. Investing in a good quality steering lock can also act as a deterrent to thieves.”