Police operation cuts burglaries

BIG reductions in burglaries and sexual offences have been recorded in Oldham, but robberies are on the up.

Latest Home Office figures reveal the borough had the second largest drop in burglaries in Greater Manchester.

It also saw the largest regional drop in sexual offences, but recorded the second highest increase in robberies.

The figures compared different types of crimes in police forces across the country in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Two years ago, the number of domestic burglaries in Oldham climbed to 2,101, the second highest across the region and beaten only by Manchester’s 6,646.

But in 2008-09, incidents dropped to 1,978 in Oldham (a fall of 6 per cent), the second largest reduction in Greater Manchester.

That meant nine in every 1,000 residents were burgled.

There were 238 recorded sexual offences in Oldham two years ago, dropping by 18 per cent to 195 last year (one person in every 1,000), the largest reduction in the Greater Manchester Police area.

However, robberies rose by 12 per cent, the second highest rise in the region.

There were 506 robberies in 2007-08, rising to 568 in 2008-09, which meant three in every 1,000 residents were robbed.

Chief Supt Caroline Ball said: “Over the last 12 months we have taken the fight against burglary to the offender by visiting them at home, increasing patrols and surveillance in the areas that they live and disrupting any opportunities they might have to commit further crime.

“This has resulted in a number of prolific offenders being put behind bars.

“I am pleased that the hard work of my police officers and staff has resulted in a drop in break-ins.

“We will continue to keep up the pressure on criminals to make sure that the number of burglaries doesn’t creep back up.”

Det Chief Supt Russ Jackson, who leads the force’s burglary initiative, Operation Storm, said there had been a 40 per cent reduction in burglary since its launch in 2000.

He said: “In the last week alone we have made 250 arrests, executed 150 warrants and recovered close to half a million pounds worth of property.

“We understand that burglary has a tremendous impact on people’s lives, which is why we are taking this tough action and will continue to do so.”

Violence against the person

Oldham 2007-08: 3,537

2008-09: 3,601

4 per cent increase

17 incidents per 1,000 population


Sexual Offences

Oldham 2007-08: 238

2008-09: 195

18 per cent reduction

One incident per 1,000 population


Robbery

Oldham 2007-08: 506

2008-09: 568

12 per cent increase

Three incidents per 1,000 population


Burglary dwelling

Oldham 2007-08: 2,101

2008-09: 1,978

6 per cent drop

Nine incidents per 1,000 population


Theft of a motor vehicle

Oldham 2007-08:- 999

2008-09: 949

5 per cent drop

Four incidents per 1,000 population


Theft from a motor vehicle

Oldham 2007-08: 2,331

2008-09: 2,415

4 per cent increase

11 incidents per 1,000 population