'Throw the book at nasty library bandits'

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A GANG of thieves have stolen thousands of pounds worth of library books and are trying to sell them using a phone app.

Staff at libraries across Oldham believe about £7,000 worth of reference titles have been taken in two months.

The brazen crooks have taken out library membership under false names to get access to non-fiction books and are suspected of selling them via a specialist app.

In one incident, a woman member of the gang walked out with scores of books hidden in a pram.

One member of staff said: "We think that about four or five people are in the gang. They take out library membership and can do so without having to show any ID.

"They then take out the maximum 12 books. They then use self service to deactivate the security device on the books.

"We then never see the books again. Others in the gang just steal them.

"They target non-fiction books, manuals, and guides, for things like gardening and plumbing. These books, often with many photographs in, are worth £30 to £40 each."

The gang has struck at libraries in Oldham, Failsworth, and Uppermill.

Another staff member said: "One of our staff challenged one man who had taken a load of books. Outside the library the suspect feigned a fit and we had to call an ambulance - then he just walked away.

"Staff have seen members of the gang checking on the smart phones via an app how much the books are worth, by tapping in the details of the book.

"We believe they are selling them via the app.

"Most of the gang are giving false names and details when taking out membership. But one gave their real name and a member of staff traced them via Facebook.

"Staff have also taken down car registration numbers of suspects. It is so frustrating.

"Police obviously have their priorities but this is a nasty, lowlife, crime."

A spokeswoman for GMP said to call them on 101 with information.