GMP crackdown on burglaries sees almost 20 arrested

Officers made raids on several properties across the north east of Greater Manchester as a response to a string of burglaries across Rochdale between July and October.

As a result of the raids, 17 people between the ages of 14 and 50 were arrested on suspicion of burglary, with all but one of them charged.

Inspector Graham Cooke, of GMP Rochdale's Neighbourhood Task Force, said: "This was a fantastic week, targeting significant serial burglary offenders.

"However, I want to be clear – whilst this was a week of action, our enforcement activities will continue.

"GMP Rochdale's Neighbourhood Task Force now has responsibility for investigating all burglaries in the area, and we will pursue every line of enquiry to bring offenders to justice, and to provide reassurance to our communities."

The crackdown was a part of Operation Castle, a GMP-wide operation to tackle burglaries on commercial and residential properties which started in the last few weeks.

Superintendent Dave Pester, tactical lead for Operation Castle said: "We'd like to reassure residents we want to prevent burglaries happening in the first place, however when a burglary does happen, we'll attend wherever possible.

"Burglary is one of the most intrusive forms of crime a person can experience – whether it's your home, your school, or the business you've created. This is why Operation Castle has been developed. This renewed commitment for GMP means we'll be targeting burglary offenders, arresting them and bringing them to justice, because we know the misery they can cause to our communities.

"For every burglary reported to us, we're prepared to take robust action to fight this high impact crime and every report will be investigated – utilising a full range of assets from across the force including from our forensic teams to identify offenders where possible and delivering support crime prevention advice as well as victim support."