Woman arrested in connection with thefts across Rochdale, Bury and Salford

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

Tactical aid unit

A woman has been arrested in connection with multiple supermarket thefts across Greater Manchester after a police appeal.

Police released an appeal for information as part of an investigation into 15 thefts across Rochdale, Bury and Salford since the start of the year.

The first happened at Morrison's in Rochdale in January and the most recent on Tuesday (26 April) at Asda in Bury.

The victims, who are all females between the ages of 63 and 94, have had their purses stolen whilst in supermarkets. Their contactless cards have subsequently been used to pay for shopping elsewhere.

The woman, in her 50s, was arrested on Thursday (28 April) as part of the police’s Operation Avro day of activity in Rochdale.

In a statement, a spokesperson for GMP said: “We're pleased to say on the back of our appeal asking for the identity of a woman in relation to a series of thefts and frauds targeting elderly women, we have received an ID that we're happy with.”

Anyone with information should contact police via DBIRochdalegroup@gmp.police.uk quoting Operation Loire. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.