Home Watch catches out car thief suspect

FAILSWORTH residents turned crimefighters thanks to a Home Watch scheme.

Information about a stolen car dumped in Failsworth was passed on to the neighbourhood policing team by a Home Watch member and this resulted in an arrest.

Now police in Failsworth and Hollinwood are encouraging other residents to join the scheme and work together in the fight against crime.

Insp Dave Stopford said: “On June 14 we received a call from one of our Home Watch members relating to an abandoned car in the Failsworth area.

“The caller also reported seeing a man running away from the car.

“This vehicle was stolen following a burglary in Stockport, during which the car keys were taken.

“A man has since been arrested and is currently on police bail.

“This incident highlights the success of Home Watch and how we rely on help from Home Watch members to give us information on suspicious and criminal activity, as well as getting out crime prevention messages.

“Home Watch is one of the most active ways residents can tackle the issues that affect the community and improve the quality of life for everyone.”

The Home Watch scheme has been hailed as one the largest and most successful crime prevention initiatives across the force and has a proven track record in reducing crime in communities.

Some insurance companies even offer cheaper premiums if residents are part of a Home Watch scheme.

For more information about setting up a Home Watch scheme contact your local neighbourhood policing team:

::Oldham West on 0161- 856 8927 (Coldhurst, Werneth, Medlock Vale and Alexandra).

::Oldham East on 0161-856 9028 (St Marys, Waterhead and St James).

::Royton and Shaw on 0161-856 8983 (Crompton, Shaw, Royton North and Royton South).

::Failsworth and Hollinwood on 0161-856 8914.

::Saddleworth and Lees on 0161-856 4524.

::Chadderton on 0161-856 8825.

::Oldham Town Centre on 0161-856 8903.

Further information at www.gmp.police.uk