Police reveal Aladdin’s cave of goods

THOUSANDS of stolen items have been revealed by police

Bicycles, mobile phones and even a violin have been revealed in a treasure trove of goods recovered by Oldham police since the beginning of the year.

Since January 5,309 pieces of property have been seized from suspected offenders. But police face a major dilemma: at least 60 per cent of the items are stolen goods but only 10 per cent can be returned to their owners because they haven’t been marked or their serial numbers written down.

Some unidentifiable seized items are sold at auction and the proceeds given to charity, while others are scrapped. In some cases items are returned to suspected thieves because it can’t be proved they have been stolen.

Inspector Alan Humphries of the Central Oldham Integrated Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It’s like an Aladdin’s Cave. Everything you are ever likely to see comes here. I’d dearly love to be able to return all stolen property and ensure the thief faces justice. To help us to do this, I am urging everyone to record the serial numbers of valuable items, take photographs of expensive jewellery and use a marking scheme where appropriate.

“In the event of theft, details can be recorded on the police report and property returned if we find it.”

If you would like advice on property marking, visit www.gmp.police.uk.