Burglars targeted by police in a hard-hitting day of action

Greater Manchester’s burglary fraternity will today (Thursday 24 July) be targeted by police in a hard-hitting day of action.

Operation Storm, which has this week seen dedicated burglary cars in operation across the Force, is part of a series of ongoing operations across Greater Manchester to disrupt and catch burglars, which have already taken 92 offenders out of action since the beginning of July.

The targeted day has been put in place on Thursday to tackle a predicted increase in burglaries over the summer months. It also aims to raise awareness of how people can avoid becoming a victim, as more residents tend to leave their windows and doors unlocked as the warmer weather creeps in. Typically, one in three burglars that creep in, do so as the result of an insecurity.

Throughout the day of action, known burglary offenders breaching bail or curfew conditions or failing to pay fines will be targeted in their homes by police and Marston warrant enforcement officers.

Curfew checks on known offenders will also be carried out and second-hand dealers will be visited to warn them of the consequences of handling stolen goods.

Police will also have extensive automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) operations sited on roads surrounding burglary hotspot areas and gateway checks will be carried out, as well as high profile patrols of hotspot areas and crime prevention work.

Special police units including Tactical Aid and the Mounted and Dogs Section will also be providing assistance with warrants and patrols throughout the day.

Police from neighbouring forces including Cheshire, Lancashire and West Yorkshire will also be carrying out burglary related activities throughout the day to catch those criminals who try to stray over the border.

Chief Superintendent Steve Hartley who is leading Operation Storm said: “We are committed to curbing an anticipated rise in burglary and have a number of operations running across Greater Manchester that are taking criminals off the street.

“However, householders have a role to play by taking some simple steps to stop themselves from becoming a victim. Most burglars are opportunistic and take the easy option, but by simply locking windows and doors behind them, people can prevent themselves from being one of the one in three who ‘invited’ burglars into their home.”

Operation Storm is supported by a marketing campaign that raises awareness of how to avoid becoming a victim of burglary and reminds people to ‘Lock up, keep em out’.