91 arrested in crime crackdown

Some of the cannabis recovered

Police across Rochdale arrested 91 burglars, robbers and thieves last week (7-13 March) in the latest purge on crime.

A number of cannabis farms, including premises in Heywood and Middleton, were also shut down and a substantial amount of the drug was recovered.

In addition, officers joined forces with trading standards and environmental health officers to make spot checks on second hand shops to ensure stolen property was not being disposed of. They also checked that full records of transactions were being kept, including details of people bringing items in.

Similar crackdowns have reduced the number of people falling victim to burglary, robbery and vehicle crime by almost 200 in the 12 months to the end of February this year compared to the previous 12 months.

Officers have also been giving advice to people visiting DIY stores and supermarkets on how they can use burglar alarms, door and window locks and security lighting to decrease the chances of their homes being targeted by thieves.

Superintendent John Graves of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division said: “Over the last year we have taken the fight to criminals by targeting them in their homes, on the street and in their communities. If criminals are intent on making decent people feel frightened in their own homes, then I want them to know what it's like too.

“These latest crime figures underline the impact of these tactics, and I can assure both law-abiding citizens and criminals that there will be no let up in this level of enforcement activity.

“People can help us to put criminals out of business by ensuring that they fit quality burglar alarms, door and window locks and security lighting in their homes. They can also help by refusing to buy goods that they believe may have been stolen, and by reporting suspicious activity either directly to us on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”