Police ignored vandal video claim

MARTIN FIELDING with the letter saying his case is closed

A SHAW businessman thought he had vital evidence when his home CCTV cameras caught a girl slashing a tyre on his van.

But as he waited for officers to collect the images, police sent him a letter saying all lines of inquiry were ended and the case was closed.

Martin Fielding, of Siddall Street, said the only time police contacted him about the images was after he complained to the Chronicle.

Mr Fielding, a self employed dog-groomer, said: “My van is my business.

“I’m so annoyed. I’ve done everything I can. I have cameras up to protect my van and my wife’s car.

“I’ve transferred the CCTV images to a disc because the police asked me to, but I’ve had to ring three times, and no one has been for them.

“After I contacted the Chronicle I was telephoned by a detective apologising because he had been on holiday, offering to call or send round a PCSO.”

Mr Fielding found the damage on Sunday, July 27, and checked his two CCTV cameras. They showed two girls walking up to his van, one carrying a weapon and slashing the tyre at 2.30am.

He said: “I reported it to the main police number, 872 5050, and was told to put the recording on a disc and the police would take it away and have a proper look.

“Two days later nothing had happened, so I rang again. Then on Thursday and I asked to be put through to Oldham police.

“But they said they had nothing on record, and didn’t know anything about the matter.

“I later got a letter dated July 28 with a crime number on signed by crime manager, saying all lines of inquiry had ended and the file would be closed.

“They haven’t even bothered to collect the disc.”

Greater Manchester Police said: “This crime is being investigated by an officer who has tried to make contact with the victim to arrange collection of the CCTV footage.”