Thieves branded ‘Britain’s dumbest criminals’ as they attempted to hide stolen vehicle at Middleton police station

'Britain’s dumbest criminals’ attempt to hide stolen vehicle at Middleton police station

Two thieves have been branded ‘Britain’s dumbest criminals’ after they attempted to hide a stolen car in the car park of Middleton police station.

Officers watched as the pair drove the vehicle into the entrance of the underground compound at Middleton police station in the early hours of this morning (Friday 12 June).

Once they reached the controlled security gates of the station, the offenders realised they could not continue and attempted to flee the scene.

They were then detained by officers nearby.

Two men have since been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Following the incident, GMP Heywood and Middleton referred to the criminals as ‘Britain’s Dumbest Criminals’ and stated: “In the early hours of Friday 12 June, a burglary occurred in the Eccles area of Salford, during the course of which a motor vehicle was stolen.

“A short time later officers in Middleton (some 15 miles away) were returning to the police station. Their attention was drawn to a vehicle turning into the small cul de sac and access ramp to the underground car park of Middleton Police station.

“As the vehicle approached the key fob controlled security gates to the police station, the vehicle began to reverse - straight towards the police vehicle and police dog handler. It was at this time that the occupants of the vehicle opened the doors and hot footed it away, pursued by the officers and the police dog and were detained nearby.

“Enquires with the vehicle left behind reveal it was the same one stolen earlier in the night in Eccles. As is quite common practice, people who steal cars hide them from the police in underground car parks for a few days in order to avoid them being recovered to the owners.

“On this occasion it would seem these offenders chose the wrong underground car park, ie, the police station, to try to hide the car and to compound to their poor judgement just as the officers were returning back to the station.

“Both males have subsequently been arrested and are awaiting interview.”