Police snare most wanted

A SPECIAL police team launched last month to hunt down Oldham’s most wanted crooks has been hailed a success after 127 arrests were made in the borough’s war on crime.

The Oldham Police Pro-active Unit has been tasked with targeting prolific known offenders.

It is used primarily to catch crooks red-handed, but also to deter criminals and disrupt criminal activity.

As well as the 127 arrests in the first month for a variety of offences, including burglary, robbery and domestic violence, 116 warrants have been executed leading to the recovery of Class A drugs and weapons.

Sixteen vehicles that have been stolen or used in crime have also been seized.

The team has been backed by the public with residents contacting officers with information.

And the message from police chiefs is that this is just the start.

Det Insp Jamie Daniels is leading the team of 16 officers with Sgt Paul Walker.

He said: “It’s an excellent start for the unit, which will make further advances. We are very pleased with how it’s gone in the first month but it’s a work in progress. The key message to offenders in Oldham is that it will not be more of the same — it will be even more intense with each passing month.

“The early signs are extremely positive. We have seen a decline in burglary from the beginning of the month to the end, which we hope to continue with. Crucially, we have a team of very pro-active officers who are working with all Oldham police officers during times when we believe criminals are operating.

“It’s all about having people in the right place at the right time.”

Chief Supt Tim Forber, Divisional Commander for Oldham Police, said: “We set up this new unit to target the most prolific criminals who cause the most misery and we are very pleased the unit has already made a significant impact.”

A large portion of crime is committed by the same individuals. By focusing on them the unit believes there will be a big impact on crime rates.