Bang up burglar message rolls out to community

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division will be using the latest tactic to keep burglars at bay and driving the message home to the public about the importance of keeping all doors and windows locked, as the nights get darker.

Members of the Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team across the Wardle, Littleborough and Milnrow areas will be using an advertising van that encourages the community to report information to police and Crimestoppers and explain basic steps they can take to secure their property.

The initiative is part of Operation Storm, Greater Manchester Police’s campaign that aims to reduce the number of burglaries. Since the launch of the campaign in April there have been 67 fewer victims of this crime in the Borough compared to the previous year.

Inspector Jem Davies from the Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The advertising van is the latest technique we are using to encourage people to come forward with information to bring offenders to justice. Officers will be providing leaflets and simple crime prevention advice that will help to keep people safe as the dark nights close in.

“One in three burglaries across the Borough are down to insecurities but by simply putting a light on or setting a light timer it gives the impression somebody is home. This can help deter any potential thieves, especially in the dark nights.”