Going shopping takes a new slant

RESIDENTS are being invited to shop a burglar at their local supermarket.

Police officers will this weekend be urging supermarket shoppers across Greater Manchester to share with them information on burglaries or other suspicious activity.

The “help us bang up burglars” campaign is part of Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Storm initiative that has been set up to reduce burglaries and increase detections.

Over the weekend officers will be based at the entrances of almost 90 major supermarkets during opening hours. They will give residents information on how they can provide police with the vital details they need to bring criminals to justice. Officers will also be giving advice on how people can keep themselves and their property safe from thieves.

Information that will help target burglars and build up evidence to bring convictions include names, addresses and telephone numbers as well as descriptions of suspects such as height, build, colouring and clothing. Information like makes, models, colours and registration numbers of the vehicles used by suspects is also useful.

Det Chief Supt Russ Jackson, who is leading Operation Storm, said: “Information on the activities, residences, movements and associates of criminals is a precious commodity in our fight to reduce crime and bring offenders to justice.

“There are many people out there holding this information that could mean the difference between us putting a burglar behind bars or leaving them free to continue to blight communities and hurt innocent people.

“I would urge them to share that information with us directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers and help us to bang up burglars and make our communities safer.”

The campaign features information postcards, secure your home burglary packs, banners at supermarkets and town centres and extensive bus side advertising.

Residents can provide information to police directly on 0161 872 5050 or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0161 555 111.