Police take burglars by Storm

POLICE targeted Greater Manchester burglars in a hard-hitting day of action.

Operation Storm was set up to disrupt and catch burglars and has already put 92 offenders out of action so far this month.

Today’s operations were arranged to combat a predicted rise in burglaries over the summer months and to raise awareness of how people can avoid becoming victims of crime.

One in three burglaries is the result of doors and windows left open, and officers are warning residents to be extra vigilant about home security.

Throughout the day, known burglars breaching bail or curfew conditions or failing to pay fines were visited in their homes. Officers also called in on second-hand dealers to warn them of the consequences of handling stolen goods.

Police extensively used automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) equipment on roads surrounding burglary hotspots and extra patrols were put in place.

Special police units, including tactical aid and the mounted and dogs sections, helped with warrants and patrols throughout the day.

Police from neighbouring forces, including Cheshire, Lancashire and West Yorkshire, carried out similar activities throughout the day to catch Greater Manchester burglars straying over force area borders.

Chief Supt Steve Hartley, leading Operation Storm, said: “We are committed to curbing an anticipated rise in burglary and have a number of operations running across Greater Manchester that are taking criminals off the street. However, householders have a role to play by taking some simple steps to stop themselves from becoming a victim.

“Most burglars are opportunistic and take the easy option, but by simply locking windows and doors behind them, people can prevent themselves from being one of the one in three who invited burglars into their home.”

Operation Storm is supported by a marketing campaign that raises awareness of how to avoid becoming a victim of burglary and reminds people to “Lock up, keep em out”.