Sixteen arrests after major police investigation into burglaries

Police raids as part of investigation into burglaries

Sixteen people have been arrested following a police investigation into burglaries in Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, Stockport and North Manchester.

Shortly after 6.00am today (19 September), officers visited a number of addresses in the North Manchester and Tameside areas. Those arrested are believed to have been involved in stealing high value cars, property and links with other areas of criminality.

So far, 16 people - three women and 13 men - have been arrested for a variety of suspected offences, including firearms offences, burglary, handling stolen property, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft of motor vehicles, possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply and cultivating cannabis.

During the searches, officers recovered up to £150,000 worth of stolen cars taken during burglaries, a pistol and ammunition, Class A and B drugs, a cannabis farm and stolen property, some of which is suspected to have been taken during the disorder in Greater Manchester last month.

North Manchester Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said: "This operation is an example of our continued fight to reduce burglary right across Greater Manchester.

"Burglars who target people's homes remain very much at the top of our list of priorities, as we see first-hand the untold misery and distress they cause. We are intent on finding all of those who are committing burglary and hopefully the arrests made today, will have an impact on the amount of burglaries taking place across Greater Manchester.

"This is only the first wave of raids, and those involved in burglary or trading stolen goods should beware, because the next door we come through may be yours."

"We will continue to listen to and support our local residents and will aim to keep people informed of the work we are doing where they live. Members of the community can also contact their neighbourhood policing teams by phone, email or by arranging to visit their local officers.

Anyone with information about burglary should call their local neighbourhood policing team or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.