15 arrests in car crime action day

POLICE arrested 15 people and seized eight untaxed cars in Oldham as part of a forcewide day of action to tackle vehicle crime.

High-profile patrols were conducted in hotspots across Greater Manchester and officers warned owners of 1,650 vehicles that were left vulnerable to crime.

The exercise, last Friday, led to 148 arrests, 78 vehicles being seized, 26 search warrants and 59 visits to scrap and second-hand car dealers.

In Oldham, there were eight visits to second-hand or scrap dealers, 30 vulnerable vehicles identified with items left on display, four school visits to talk to pupils about the risks and consequences of vehicle crime, and 10 vehicles fitted with safe number plate screws.

Chief Insp Julian Snowball said: “The day of action was a huge success and our results reflect the ongoing commitment of Greater Manchester Police and its partners to prevent vehicle crime and to target those who commit it.

“Throughout the day officers inspected unattended vehicles and found many with shopping bags, purses, wallets, satellite navigation systems and loose change on display on dashboards.

“Items such as these are actively targeted by thieves and should be removed before leaving a vehicle unattended.

“We are also reminding the public to park in safe, busy and well-lit areas close to CCTV cameras.”