Police target car thieves in Saddleworth village

FRIGHTENED residents in a Saddleworth village have been woken in a series of pre-dawn clampdowns by a special squad of police officers searching for burglars and car thieves.

Local Greater Manchester Police officers targeted Greenfield, the scene of a number of lightning attacks in the last few days.

The squad, including an undercover team and specialist unit, moved into the area after a spate of thefts from houses which resulted in three cars being stolen from outside residents’ homes.

Police believe the Saddleworth attacks come in the wake of surge in burglaries coupled to car thefts being investigated by officers in neighbouring Tameside.

Working as a combined force, the officers saturated a quiet, estate in the centre of Greenfield.

One resident said: “I was shocked to be woken at 5am by police searching my garden. It was like a battlefield.

“There were policemen appearing from all directions,” he added. “It was a bit terrifying.”

Sergeant Craig Johnson, of the Saddleworth and Lees township, said there had been six burglaries in the Greenfield area this year.

“This is a concerted police operation to foil criminals entering houses to steal car keys and make off with vehicles ,” he said.

“My officers have been working with a team from Oldham and Tameside to ensure full support in several operations at Greenfield.”

Police are also investigating burglaries in Scouthead, Grasscroft and Dobcross.

Sgt Johnson said: “We would urge anyone who seems anything suspicious — no matter how trivial — to report to us immediately.

“And we would ask car owners to ensure they lock their cars and put their keys in a secure place.”

Mike Rooke, secretary of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association said: “It is good the hear police are on these cases. It certainly makes the community feel more secure.”


Residents with concerns should call 0161 872 5050.