Battle bus leads burglary fight

Battle ready...The new bus

Police have unveiled their latest weapon in the fight against crime that will soon be heading for Rochdale — a Burglary Battle Bus.

The custom-fitted and branded vehicle will criss–cross the county, stopping in communities where local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will work from it to encourage residents to follow simple crime reduction advice.

One in three break-ins are down to insecure properties, so people will be encouraged to lock doors and windows and use burglar alarms.

The initiative is part of Operation Storm, Greater Manchester Police’s drive to reduce burglaries and increase detection.

The bus will be used to target two communities each weekday and at weekends will be based in shopping centres, community and sporting events and other busy locations.

The Battle Bus has been given a makeover with “Bang Up Burglars” branding and inside there is seating and table areas, storage units, a music system and electrical points that can be used to run multimedia presentations.

Residents will be invited to go on board to get information and discuss local concerns with neighbourhood officers.

They will also be offered free burglary information packs that contain discount vouchers for security equipment at DIY stores.

GMP is operating the initiative in partnership with First Bus, which has provided the vehicle, and charity Crimestoppers.

Det Chief Supt Russ Jackson, who is leading Operation Storm, said: “We are taking the fight to the burglars, targeting them in their communities and encouraging the people that they are hurting to give us the information we need to put these heartless offenders behind bars.

“Storm has made a real difference in its first six weeks of operation. During the week of action in July alone, more than 600 officers carried out 150 raids across the county resulting in more than 250 arrests.

“It has also provided a rich vein of intelligence on these criminals that will lead to many more of them being brought to justice in the next couple of months. Storm is getting the message home to burglars that there is nowhere for them to hide and we will be putting them away soon.

“The Battle Bus will let all our communities know that we mean business and that they can help by providing us with the information we need to bang up burglars.”

Claire Johnson, commercial director for First in Manchester, said: “We are pleased to be working in co-operation with GMP to get the message out to our local communities on the safety and security of their homes.

“Look out for the bright yellow burglary bus and take advantage of the free information packs .”

Residents can report crimes or suspicious behaviour to police on 0161-872 5050 or, anonymously, through Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.