18 arrested in burglary operation

Eighteen people were arrested in Middleton in November as part of an operation to tackle burglary across the area.

Officers from Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team executed two search warrants and took part in high visibility patrols at burglary hotspots in Alkrington East, Moorclose, Mills Hill and Alkrington West.

The operation saw officers conduct 37 stop searches and issue three warnings for cannabis. Crime prevention clinics were also held to provide tips to the public on how to protect themselves from would-be criminals.

Sergeant Hargreaves for Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Between 1 and 20 November there were only 28 recorded burglaries in Middleton compared to 64 last year which shows that the work we are doing with operations such as this as well as the Forcewide campaign, Operation Storm are paying off.

“We want this to send a message to would be offenders that we won’t tolerate them taking part in this horrible crime. The festive period should be a time when families can enjoy their time together and enjoy the presents they receive. They should not have to be faced with the possibility of all of their Christmas presents being stolen. Our teams will be working throughout the holidays and into the New Year to capture these offenders and see justice served.”

“Residents can support us by following the simple advice to lock doors and windows - even when in the home, use alarms and lights and register their valuables on immobilise.com to put burglars out of a job this Christmas.”