Van contents stolen in Balderstone

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The Pennine Gate development off New Broad Lane

Residents in Balderstone are advised to be on alert after a theft from a vehicle in the early hours of Monday morning (9 January).

Johnny Luker, of Ginnel Farm Avenue in the Pennine Gate development off New Broad Lane, reported items stolen from his Volkswagon Caddy van.

A Toughbook laptop, sat nav, and camera were all taken from Mr Luker’s van, which was parked on his drive. His neighbour also complained of rifle equipment being taken, but has not reported this to the police.

Police said: “Shortly after 8.15am on Monday 9 January 2017, police were called to reports of a theft from a vehicle parked on Ginnell Farm Avenue, Rochdale.

“Between 4pm on Friday 6 January and 7.35am on Tuesday 10 January, unknown offenders broke into a vehicle and stole a satellite navigation device and a laptop.”

Mr Luker, a surveyor for Scottish Power, said: “Our puppy started barking at around 1.50am, and we noticed a dark car reversing. We thought nothing of it but now we think it could be connected. It’s not the first time something like this has happened to this estate in the past year.

“I use the Toughbook for work but it’s encrypted so is absolutely useless to anyone. I think they’ve just had a rummage around and seen that it’s electrical, but it’s severely hampered me for work.”