Targeted operation drives down vehicle crime in Bury

Date published: 15 April 2010

A targeted operation to crackdown on vehicle crime in Bury has more than halved the number of incidents on the division.

On March 22, officers launched a special week of action to tackle a spate of vehicle crime in Bury, which at its height saw 54 incidents in one week in January.

The operation involved high profile patrols at key hotspot locations to deter car criminals using teams of Special Constables and neighbourhood officers who also stopped and searched suspect vehicles. The division had use of GMP’s Air Support Unit during the operation and eight people were arrested for vehicle crime offences.

During the initiative, the number of incidents of car crime across the division was reduced to 26.

Sergeant Terry Dunning, who led the operation said: “We take car crime very seriously and this operation was designed to take the fight to the criminals and show we are determined to drive this distressing crime out of Bury.

“I would also urge motorists to take steps to avoid becoming a target for criminals such as never leaving items on show in cars as even inexpensive items such as CDs can prove an open invitation to thieves. I would also advise against leaving cars in unlit, secluded streets and recommend the use of garages and secure car parks wherever possible.”