77 Arrests as police target thieves

Date published: 29 July 2010

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Bury Division have arrested 77 burglars, robbers and thieves last week (19 to 25 July) during a major summer clampdown.

The crackdown was part of Operation Storm that was set up a year ago to help reduce burglaries, robberies and car theft.

The year has also seen a 21 per cent reduction in burglary, 18 per cent reduction in robbery and 6 per cent less incidents of vehicle crime. This has meant that there has been 2,327 fewer people falling victim to criminals between April 2009 and March this year when compared to the previous 12 months.

As part of the crackdown officers have been serving warrants, checking offenders are complying with bail and curfew conditions and visiting persistent criminals and those recently released from prison to check on their activities.

Officers from burglary, robbery and car crime teams have been supported by neighbourhood policing teams and specialist officers from the mounted, dog, tactical aid and road policing units in this latest clean-up. Court Enforcement Officers have also been arresting offenders for non-payment of fines.

PCSOs have been helping people visiting supermarkets register their valuables on Immobilise.com to increase their chances of having recovered stolen property returned to them. They have also been giving them crime reduction advice and warning motorists using at-risk car parks to remove valuables and lock vehicles.

Chief Inspector Carol Martin said: “Through Operation Storm, we are showing members of the community our commitment to bringing thieves to justice and making their local neighbourhood a more pleasant place to live.

“By targeting these criminals and talking to members of the public about the steps they can take to ensure they aren’t a victim of crime, we are reducing the opportunities for thieves to strike. Over the coming months, we will be aiming to reduce the number of burglaries, robberies and incidents of vehicle crime even further.

“I urge residents to play their part in the fight against these criminals by refusing to buy goods they suspect have been stolen and reporting their suspicions to us either directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”