Armed police deployed to stamp out burglaries

INSPECTOR Bash Anwar

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

ARMED officers have been drafted into Saddleworth as an extra 'set of eyes' due to burglaries in daytime hours.

The move comes as the number of raids on homes topped more than 70 since the beginning of August.

Many burglaries followed a pattern of taking place in the mornings and up to lunchtime with valuables being stolen and homes being ransacked.

But Inspector Bash Anwar, relief inspector for Saddleworth, Uppermill and Lees, said: "I can assure residents their presence has absolutely nothing to do with any link between firearms and the burglaries.

"It just so happens that from the range of force resources available, only officers from the firearms unit have been free to come to Saddleworth.

"Members of the public should not be unduly concerned, in fact, armed officers are a very valuable resource as it deters people from coming and committing crime in the area and they should be welcomed.

"There is no need for any panic."

Valuable

Thieves have focussed attacks on properties in Denshaw, Delph, Dobcross, Grasscroft and Greenfield.

In one incident, locals who tried to block raiders were threatened with an axe and, in another, there were reports a fireplace was torn out of an upstairs room of a house in Diggle.

In a 44-page letter to police and the PCC, one resident, who lost valuable property including motorcycles, urged more police presence.

He said: "With the increased break-ins and crime wave hitting Saddleworth, why are GMP failing to act?"

Inspector Anwar, said: "GMP have recently experienced a spike in burglary offences in the Saddleworth area, with a large proportion committed during the day and at large isolated properties.

"We have undertaken a number of steps to combat the issue including central force resources being deployed to Saddleworth during the day.

"I am currently seeking funding for officers to provide high visibility policing when the Saddleworth team are not on duty."

The inspector said lines of enquiry are currently being investigated by Oldham CID in conjunction with West Yorkshire Police who have encountered similar issues.

"A number of arrests have taken place, however we believe more than one team is involved. Our neighbourhood team are working on additional lines of enquiry."

And he stressed: "I would urge people not to panic and to ensure they use their burglar alarms and lights when their home is unoccupied, and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity which they should report to the police."

Meantime, residents are invited to attend Saddleworth Homewatch's meeting addressed by GMP's area commander, Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball, at Uppermill Conservative Club on Wednesday, November 16, at 7.45pm.

And Royce Franklin, the chair of Saddleworth Homewatch, urged locals to join Homewatch.

He said: "Our members learn how to become more vigilant and spot suspicious circumstances.

"Members usually take on a coordinating role within a neighbourhood of about 20 houses.

"Ideally, members attend the meetings held in the Uppermill Conservative Club Uppermill on a Wednesday.

He added: "Homewatch cannot pretend to stop all crime. But it has a proven record of preventing crime and members have been responsible for the arrest of many culprits.

"Call 101 if you see anyone behaving suspiciously. Your information may be vital."

Anyone wishing to join the Homewatch team can contact Royce Franklin on 01457 873248.