19-year-old man arrested on suspicion of burglary after being detained in garden

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Police arrested a burglary suspect after a short chase

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after a man was confronted in his Rochdale home by a man wearing a balaclava.

The victim was at home during the early hours of Sunday morning (4 February) when he heard a noise, which sounded like his front door opening. Upon going to check, he was confronted with a man in a balaclava.

Police were swiftly on the scene to support the victim and preserve the scene, whilst additional response officers began to pursue the suspect, who had made off on foot to try and evade police. 

He was chased and detained in a nearby garden, and a balaclava was also found discarded.

The 19-year-old remains in police custody for questioning.

Inspector Baker, from the Rochdale district, said: “This was an incredibly intrusive crime whereby the victim was disturbed in his own home, a place you should be able to feel safe.

“Despite the suspect attempting to hide from police, a joint response from multiple officers meant we were able to quickly locate him and additional evidence.

“It is vital that every victim, and the communities across Greater Manchester, are left assured by our response to this type of crime. GMP remains committed to tackling burglary offences whilst proactive teams conduct regular patrols and targeted operations which focus on preventing and reducing this type of crime.”

If you are concerned about any forms of criminality in your area or have information that you’d like to share with us, please call 101 or report online on our website: www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.