Police forces join to take on burglars

POLICE are working across two counties in a bid to stamp out a spree of daylight burglaries ravaging Saddleworth villages.

GMP has linked with the West Yorkshire force to snare the marauding gang, who are thought to have carried out more than 20 crimes, stealing property and cars in recent weeks.

Denshaw, Delph, Dobcross and Greenfield are key villages hit by the group, who have smashed into homes stealing valuables and using 'hook and cane' techniques to steal keys and subsequently take vehicles.

In the latest attacks over the weekend, intruders stole property from addresses at Long Lane, a separate address at Mount Lane, both in Dobcross and Moorlands Caravan Park, Denshaw.

The gangs are believed to come from the Huddersfield area.

Police are keen to speak with occupants of a a silver VW Passat - S386 GLG - seen in the area of a burglary on Thurston Clough Road, Delph, at 11.30am yesterday and the occupants of a silver VW Golf - X109 EDG - seen earlier.

And they are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious circumstances immediately in order to identify offenders.

A note from GMP Saddleworth and Lees said: "A rise in criminal activity initially started at Springhead has now moved right across the Saddleworth area.

"We have travelling criminals coming into the Saddleworth area, particularly during the day, committing burglaries.

"We have been getting reports of markings being found on doors, door frames and stone lintels around doors. These range from small blue crosses to one-inch white lines and single white dots.

"At this time we do not know what these markings represent, they are not of the same traditional markings left by criminals.

"We have had reports of matching scratch marks in stonework at addresses recently targeted at Greenfield."

The note went on: "We don't want to scaremonger our community but now feel it necessary to highlight what is being reported to us and in return alert you."

And they urge residents to reassess home security arrangements addressing all weak areas.

Wheelie bins should, wherever possible, be inside perimeters as this is a leg up over gates and fences for our criminals.

Garden tools locked away as a shovel can easily derail patio doors and give criminals entry.

Alarm systems are operating properly and non-working lights are replaced in outside light systems.

Police say they are operating round the clock patrols with uniformed and plain clothes teams, and unmarked police vehicles.

And they add: "If you see something - say something."

Call 101, or 999 for urgent calls.