Burglary campaign goes down a storm

POLICE chiefs say a crackdown on burglars in Greater Manchester has been a huge success.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy praised his officers’ hard work after early indications showed Operation Storm has made a significant impact since its launch three weeks ago.

The high-profile campaign to reduce burglaries and increase detections began with officers conducting more than 100 raids on properties across the county, resulting in 254 arrests and more than 100 charges.

Mr Fahy highlighted two examples of excellent police work. In the first, eagle-eyed officers on routine patrol spotted a man who matched the description of a distraction burglar who had stolen jewellery and cash from a woman in her 80s.

They followed him into a park where he was arrested.

In the second, a family were threatened in their own home and the raiders stole the family car. But within minutes the number plate was circulated and the car spotted by officers who arrested the suspects.

Mr Fahy said: “I want to congratulate my staff for their efforts in tacking burglars head-on.

“I also want to thank members of the public for the information they pass on to us — without their help we wouldn’t be able to make such an impact.

“There is a common misconception that officers spend all day contemplating crime stats, but these recent successes show that officers are actually out there taking active measures to reduce burglary.

“Also I’m pleased to report that in July we hit the tough targets set down by the police authority to drive down burglary.

“Of course, we cannot be complacent for a moment because burglary continues to be number one on our agenda.

“Also, the key to reducing burglary remains reducing the number of opportunities burglars have by keeping properties secure and valuable items such as car keys out of sight.

“Often a few simple steps is all it takes to stop burglars in their tracks. Locks, lights, alarms is sometimes all it takes.”