Arrests herald hard times for burglars

Greater Manchester Police arrested more than 1,200 burglars, robbers and thieves last week (18 – 24 January) in its first major clampdown of the New Year.

High impact enforcement activity on all divisions across the Force saw officers making more than 200 raids on properties of suspected criminals. The crackdown was part of Operation Storm that was set up last June to support divisions in reducing burglaries and increasing convictions.

The raids have also resulted in the arrest of a dozen drug dealers and the closure of six cannabis farms. Drugs with an estimated value well in excess of £0.5m have been seized.

To date Operation Storm has helped reduce burglary by more than 12% when comparing figures from 1 April last year to the same period in 2008 / 09. This equates to 2,300 fewer families being subjected to this distressing crime.

As part of the crackdown officers have been serving warrants, checking offenders are complying with bail and curfew conditions and visiting persistent criminals and those recently released from prison to check on their activities.

Officers from local burglary teams have been supported by neighbourhood policing teams and specialist officers from the mounted, dog, tactical aid and road policing units in this latest clean-up. Court Enforcement Officers have also been arresting offenders for non-payment of fines.

PCSOs have been visiting hundreds of homes in crime hotspot areas to give crime reduction advice. They have also been helping people visiting supermarkets, shopping centres and other public places register their valuables on Immobilise.com to increase their chances of having recovered stolen property returned to them.

This latest blitz on burglars and thieves follows two weeks of action in June and October last year that saw officers arresting more than 900 offenders.

Police say a key component of this success has been the information provided by the public on suspicious activity and officers are keen for residents to keep it coming in, either directly to them on 0161 872 50 50 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: “Our commitment to making 2010 a totally miserable year for criminals has got off to a flying start with this first crackdown of many that are planned for the coming months.

“We are targeting offenders in their homes, in their communities and on the streets leaving them nowhere to escape. They and the law-abiding people of our region can be assured that this level of activity will be maintained throughout the year leaving criminals with two choices – to go straight or go straight to prison.

“Residents can play their part in this fight against these criminals by refusing to buy goods they suspect have been stolen, reporting their suspicions to us either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers and following simple crime reduction advice.

“A third of burglaries are still down to people leaving doors and windows open or unlocked. By locking up, using alarms and keeping burglars guessing by leaving a light on when you go out you can dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to this distressing crime.”