Laptop thieves in CCTV web

VICTIM of crime . . . Paul Milner outside the shop on Ashton Road

POLICE criticised for failing to respond to a theft have caught those responsible.

The Chronicle revealed in September how a businessman felt let down after officers failed to visit him over the theft of a laptop — despite him having CCTV footage and a crucial lead.

Security cameras captured the moment a couple stole the £250 computer from Positive IT Solutions, Ashton Road, Hathershaw.

Owner Paul Milner (34) reported the incident to police the following Monday. However, despite making numerous calls he had no response for nearly two weeks. But after the Chronicle alerted Greater Manchester Police, officers immediately visited to pick up the footage.

They told the Chronicle they had called the victim immediately after the crime was reported and had been due to visit.

Mr Milner had done his own detective work by showing locals a picture of the couple and finding someone prepared to tell officers where they lived.

The couple had waited for a shop assistant to be distracted before taking the laptop.

Police say a man and a woman have confessed to the theft and have been summonsed to appear in court.

They are both currently in jail for other offences, the man at HM Forest Bank Prison, Pendlebury, Salford, and the woman at HM New Hall Prison, Wakefield.

The computer shop is part of the Government’s Home Access scheme to provide laptops for disadvantaged families.

Mr Milner said the police had done a good job once they had visited him and he was pleased the culprits had been caught — but he had not got the laptop back.

He said: “It’s a shame. If they had responded in time they would have caught someone and got the device back.

“Instead, I’m left out of pocket. The only pleasing part of it now is they have caught someone.

“I can understand the problems police face as there’s not enough officers out there. They have not got the physical manpower to handle it all.”

The Oldham West Neighbourhood Policing team is encouraging businesses on the Ashton Road corridor to join the business watch scheme to help prevent crime.

Sgt Trevor Harrison said: “Businesses play a vital role in the fight against crime.

“Often small businesses are victims of crime and targeted by offenders who know the security is not as good as the large stores.

“We can add to the security by working together and reporting incidents to other shopkeepers so they can be on their guard.”

Anyone who would like to get involved with the business watch scheme can contact the Oldham West neighbourhood policing team on 0161-856 8972 or e-mail oldhamwest.npt@gmp.police.uk .