Over 180 held in blitz on burglary

More than 180 people are the latest to be arrested in summer crackdown on burglary.

Thursday’s action was part of Operation Storm and saw officers from Greater Manchester Police working with court officials and neighbouring forces.

Police visited 182 prolific burglars to check their activities, with more than 160 warrants were served for breaching bail or curfew conditions, or failing to pay fines.

Dedicated vehicles responded to break-ins and second-hand dealers were warned about handling stolen goods.

Automatic number plate recognition technology was used on roads surrounding burglary hotspots which resulted in four arrests and the seizure of 37 untaxed or uninsured vehicles.

And joint operations were carried out with neighbouring forces to catch criminals crossing the borders.

Officers also identified more than 900 open or unlocked doors and windows, visited 1,300 homes to give crime prevention advice and delivered more than 9,000 crime reduction leaflets.

Thursday’s crackdown brings the total number of Operation Storm arrests to almost 1,150 since the beginning of June.

Supt Nadeem Butt said: “Our targeted efforts to reduce burglary will continue over the summer months and there are numerous operations running across Greater Manchester that will take even more criminals off our streets.

“We would also like to remind residents to lock their windows and doors and help us to reduce the one in three burglaries that are caused as a result of an insecurity.”