Police arrest 809 in Christmas clampdown

Greater Manchester Police arrested 809 burglars, robbers and thieves and seized more than £230,000 in cash from suspected criminals in one week

Greater Manchester Police arrested 809 burglars, robbers and thieves and seized more than £230,000 in cash from suspected criminals last week (29 November to 5 December) in its latest clampdown on offenders across the county.

High impact enforcement activity on all divisions saw officers making 224 raids on properties of suspected criminals to search for stolen goods. In 28 of these raids officers seized more than £230,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) legislation. POCA allows officers to seize cash in excess of £1,000 that they believe has been made from or will be used to fund criminal activity.

The crackdown was the Force’s latest hard hitting operation geared to targeting thieves and was launched to curb a potential pre-Christmas rise in theft related crime.

Policing actions like this have resulted in a 21 per cent decrease in burglary, robbery and vehicle crime in the 12 months to the end of November when compared to the same period in the previous year equating to 13,331 fewer victims of theft related crimes.

Over the week officers also visited 878 known offenders to check they were complying with bail and curfew conditions and deliver special Christmas cards warning them to stay out of trouble to stay out of prison. PCSOs and crime reduction advisors visited more than 4,800 homes to give crime prevention advice. They also distributed 2,300 free timer switches to residents in burglary hotspot areas to use to switch lights on at dusk to deter criminals.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney from Greater Manchester Police said: “Over the last year criminals and law-abiding citizens have become well aware of our on-going commitment to bringing thieves to account for the misery they spread in our communities.

“This pre-Christmas operation has helped to take some of these criminals off our streets and sent a clear message to many others that to stay out of prison this Christmas they have to stay out of trouble.

“We will continue to target burglars, robbers and thieves into the New Year and residents can help by reporting suspicious activity to us either directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“They can also help by locking all doors and windows, using their burglar alarm and leaving a light on during the late afternoon and early evening to deter thieves.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe, peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year. Criminals who get in the way of this can expect a visit from us instead of Santa this year.”