Burglars feel wrath of county wide operation

Greater Manchester Police put an extra hard squeeze on burglars across the county today (Tuesday 13 January) in a coordinated day of action.

Operation Guardian saw the police and its partners using a range of tactics to target burglars and increase public awareness of how they can protect their property from the distressing crime.

Officers executed search warrants on known and suspected offenders and checked for possible possession of stolen property. They also visitedprolific offenders at home to ensure they are complying with bail and curfew conditions.

Checks were also made on stock held by second-hand shops and traders were warned of the possible consequences of handling stolen goods.

Local burglary units have been supplemented by specialist resources and officers from the Mounted, Dog, Tactical Aid and the Tactical Vehicle Crime Unit provided support with warrants and high profile patrolling for the hard-hitting operation.

The recently formed Forensic Response Unit accompanied officers attending burglary calls and warrants to gather evidence while it was still fresh. The Unit is currently providing round-the-clock mobile support to burglary operations across the Force.

Traffic officers used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to make roadside checks on vehicles entering and leaving burglary hotspots and gateway checks were made at train, bus and tram stations to monitor the movements of suspected offenders.

These enforcement tactics were complemented by a range of awareness raising activities to encourage residents to follow a few simple rules that will greatly reduce their chances of falling victim to burglars.

These include shutting and locking all doors and windows as one in three burglaries are the result of insecurities, using alarms and lights on timer switches and marking all valuables so they can be returned if lost or stolen.

Residents are also being urged through registration stations in supermarkets, schools, libraries and other community venues to enter all valuables on the free, easy to use www.immobilise.com database that all UK police forces use to identify the ownership of recovered items.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Fraser from Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Guardian team said: “This day of action across the Force is the latest initiative under Operation Guardian to deter, detect and detain burglars and encourage residents to follow simple advice that will safeguard them from falling victim to this crime.

“We take burglary seriously and are prepared to tackle it at a number of different levels. It also shows offenders that they are constantly in our sights and will end up in prison unless they turn their back on crime.

“We are determined with the support of our partners and our communities to drive down this crime. Residents can support us by following the simple advice to lock doors and windows, use alarms and lights and register their valuables to put burglars out of a job this year.”

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk. You can also call anonymously with information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.