Police step up car robberies probe following reports of incidents involving balaclava-wearing gang
Date published: 03 July 2023
Seven incidents have been reported to police between June 12 and 28
An investigation is currently underway after police received multiple reports of car robberies in the Shaw and Failsworth area of Oldham.
A total of SEVEN incidents have been reported to police between June 12 and 28.
From initial enquiries, detectives believe that vehicles are being stolen from victims with a group of men threatening violence to get access to the vehicle, with a bladed article being used in some instances to threaten drivers.
Then on Friday (June 30), in the Bishops Park Car Park, Ship Lane in Delph, a car was reported stolen at around 12.30am, with enquiries establishing that the victim had been sat in his parked car when an unknown group of approximately five men approached him and removed the keys from the ignition and threatened the victim to get out of the car.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Detectives are treating these reports as linked, and are appealing for information from members of the public to aid their investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Lindsay Booth, of GMP’s Oldham district, said: “All the incidents reported to us have followed a very similar pattern of offending so we now believe these to have been committed by the same group of people.
“It is lucky no one has been injured during these incidents and we are urging the public to be vigilant, especially whilst walking to your car at night when its dark, these robberies are happening in unlit areas where there is an absence of CCTV.
“We are now in a position in our investigation where we can appeal to the public to help us identify those responsible and we are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a group of men wearing balaclavas in the Shaw area of Oldham.
“If you have dash-cam or mobile footage or any information that you think could assist our investigation then please get in touch.
"No matter how insignificant you think the information might be, it could form a vital part of the investigation.”
Anyone with information – or footage – should contact police on 0161 856 64521or 101 quoting log 9 of 01/07/2023.
Alternatively details can be passed via GMP's LiveChat function at: www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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