Morning: you’re nicked
Reporter: BEATRIZ AYALA
Date published: 10 December 2009
74 villains held in police swoop
BURGLARS and robbers were arrested in dawn raids across Oldham in a pre-Christmas crime crackdown.
Officers swooped on 80 known Oldham offenders as part of yesterday’s Operation Admiral II, which saw co-ordinated raids across the Greater Manchester Police area.
Oldham saw the second highest number of arrests in the region with 74 people in custody or in the court system, second only to Bolton with 90 arrests.
Adults and juveniles wanted for personal robbery, burglary and vehicle crimes in Oldham were on the hit list, but officers also uncovered four illegal immigrants at one Manchester Street property during the sting.
The police operation was co-ordinated with the Crown Prosecution Service, courts and other law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone detained was dealt with from the moment they came into police custody.
Prisoners on licence who had warrants previously issued were taken directly to court.
The operation was intended to get criminals behind bars and make residents feel safer about where they live in the run up to Christmas.
In August, GMP carried out its first force-wide day of action and arrested more than 450 criminals as part of a crackdown on violent crime.
Yesterday, a total of 576 people were arrested, across the region, with 165 charged immediately with various offences including burglary and robbery.
Police also seized 35 cars.
Two blank-firing handguns were recovered, three cannabis farms discovered and £60,000 worth of duty-free goods stolen from airports were found.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, said: “In the run up to Christmas criminals often feel desperate and will stop at nothing to steal and rob to feed their habits or for plain greed. We are sending out a powerful message to criminals that we know who they are and we are coming to get them.
“This operation will disrupt criminal activity and their lifestyles and will ensure they are not able to ruin anyone else’s Christmas. This is another proud day for the force. Today, Greater Manchester is a safer place.”
He added that two of force’s most wanted criminals were among the arrests.
Anyone with information about outstanding offenders can Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
