Large burglary operation sees three suspects caught in the act overnight

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

Three suspects - aged 52, 30 and 28 - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary

A stolen vehicle has been recovered and three arrests made in connection with high-value cars being stolen from homes across Greater Manchester.

Detectives launched the investigation – Operation Taurus – in late January after a number of reports of burglaries since Christmas were received. 

At least 20 vehicles have been reported stolen from across the region which police believe are linked to this operation, including one night in January where reports were made in Middleton, Harpurhey and Stalybridge.

Officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Group, working with the Tactical Aid Unit, Dogs Unit and Vehicle Interceptors, carried out a planned operation at around 11pm on Wednesday (2 February).

Three men were found to be attaching suspected false plates to an Audi S3, believed to have been stolen from Bacup a month ago, but were spotted by officers and arrested on Lees Street in Openshaw.

Three suspects - aged 52, 30 and 28 - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.

Investigators continue to question the three suspects and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Roger Smethurst, from GMP's SOCG, said: "These arrests are a result of weeks of work going on behind the scenes and are a huge step in our drive to bring burglaries down and find those responsible.

"This operation is targeting what we believe to be the most active gang of burglaries in Greater Manchester and we know that each of our boroughs has been impacted by this group at least once a week during the past month or so.

"Some of the work officers are doing can't always be seen for operational reasons and last night's arrests are an example of this after weeks of enquiries being followed up.

"The operation doesn't stop here and we will work to return stolen vehicles to their rightful owners and bring those responsible to justice.

"Anyone with information about burglaries or anything suspicious can call 101, report it online or by using our LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk."

Advice and information on burglaries and how to keep your home and belongings safe is available on GMP's website.