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Police swoop to foil burglaries

Bethan Dorsett
26/10/2007

POLICE on the road, on foot and even on horseback snared 16 suspected criminals in Rochdale.

The officers were taking part in a Greater Manchester-wide crackdown on burglary, but Tuesday’s sweep also trapped people wanted for other offences, including jumping bail and driving without insurance.

In total, over 51 homes were raided, leading to a string of arrests, many of whom were said to be persistent burglars.

Meanwhile, 33 vehicles found to have either no insurance, MOT certificate or tax disc were towed away after officers used state-of-the-art equipment to check their number plates.

Mounted police officers were involved in raids in Falinge, where many of the persistent offenders are believed to live.

Superintendent Bryan Lawton led the police day of action, code-named Operation Corral.

“The operation is just the start of the campaign to drive down burglaries in Rochdale,” he said.

“We tend to see an increase in this type of crime in October and November, but we hope to prevent this from happening.

“This division has already managed to reduce the number of burglaries by 14 per cent, from 982 between April and October last year, to 845 this year.

“But despite our best efforts, 30 per cent of domestic burglaries happen because of insecure doors and windows and we want to prevent this from happening.”

If you have information about crime committed in the area, you can call Crimestoppers free and in confidence on 0800 555 111.

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