Get the message ...or yule be sorry

CRIMINALS in Oldham are being warned to stay on the straight and narrow or risk spending the festive season behind bars following a successful pre-Christmas clampdown.

The warning comes after Greater Manchester Police officers arrested 91 burglars, robbers and thieves and seized more than £3,000 in cash from suspected criminals during a borough-wide crackdown from December 6 to 11.

Dozens of criminals have also received special Christmas cards encouraging them to “stay out of trouble to stay out of prison”.

Chief Superintendent Tim Forber said: “Burglary has come down by 4.3 per cent in the last 12 months, that’s 49 fewer victims.

“This latest crackdown has helped to take more criminals off our streets and send a clear message to many others that to stay out of prison this Christmas they have to stay out of trouble. We will continue to target burglars, robbers and thieves into the New Year and residents can help by reporting suspicious activity to us either directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.

“My message to criminals is clear — I am determined to make this Christmas and New Year a safe and peaceful one for our residents.

“If you get in the way of this Santa won’t be coming down your chimney, but you can guarantee that we’ll be coming through your door.”

If you have a neighbourhood policing issue, contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

To report crime call police on 0161 -72 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk