Over 200 burglars arrested in last 15 months in Rochdale

In the last 15 months, police officers in Rochdale have arrested over 200 burglars, obtained over 300 charges and assisted the courts in securing prison sentences which collectively exceed 75 years.

Following an address by the Home Office, police forces are now required to attend every report of a residential burglary. Greater Manchester Police has committed to this pledge since July 2021.

Cases in Rochdale during this period have ranged from the concerning to the unusual.

In August this year, a prolific burglar called Joshua Dodson was arrested after he attempted to conceal himself from officers by climbing inside a giant teddy bear.

He was sentenced to 9 months behind bars for the theft of a Mitsubishi ASX in May and not paying for petrol on the same day.
 

Read more: Wanted car thief tries to avoid police by hiding inside giant teddy bearPublished: 10 August 2022

In a more disturbing case, Lee Fennessey was sentenced to 11 years in prison in July this year after he committed a series of 15 burglaries targeting elderly residents.

Fennessey even resorted to using violence against some of the victims, the eldest being 96 years old.

Earlier in January this year, Mohammed Rameez committed a string of burglaries at commercial premises on Rochdale town centre.

He was finally apprehended following extensive forensic work which linked him to five burglaries, and he was sentenced to 28 months in jail.

Prior to the commitment being made, burglary was perceived as ‘volume’ crime. Many police forces felt they simply couldn’t attend every burglary that occurred.

Burglary can be a complex crime to investigate but GMP officers are now required to physically attend and, where appropriate, the response may also involve visits from forensic services or specialist detective officers.

In the last month alone, GMP made 305 arrests across Greater Manchester. The force launched Operation Castle, a forcewide response to tackling burglaries in July 2021, which has seen a number of positive results.

During August 2021 to July 2022 this operation oversaw the arrest of 842 people, an increase of 95.8%, compared to 430 people for the same period in 2020/21.

Superintendent Chris Foster, GMP’s force lead of tackling burglary, said: “Over the last 15 months Greater Manchester Police has committed to attending each and every residential burglary reported to us.

“Burglary is a horrible and intrusive crime that often leaves victims feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes. It is therefore only right that we use all of our policing powers to deal with those individuals who invade the homes of others and steal their property.

“While there is still much progress yet to be made, there is also a lot to be proud of in what has been achieved so far. I particularly hope that the results come as a reassurance to the public and highlight the superb work that is happening across our force every day.

“I would also like to use this milestone as an opportunity to underline our commitment to investigate burglary and reaffirm our pledge that we will continue to pursue every viable line of enquiry to bring offenders to justice.”

Anyone with information that will help bring burglars and handlers of stolen goods to justice is encouraged to contact police either via the LiveChat or reporting function on the website or by calling 101.

You can also pass on information anonymously through CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.