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Police in Tameside arrested 49 burglars, robbers and thieves last week (18 – 24 January) in their first major clampdown of the New Year.

The crackdown was part of Operation Storm, a Forcewide operation that was set up last June to support divisions in reducing burglaries and increasing convictions.

To date Operation Storm has helped reduce burglary by more than 12 per cent across the Force when comparing figures from 1 April last year to the same period in 2008 / 09. This equates to 2,300 fewer families being subjected to this distressing crime.

As part of the crackdown officers have been serving warrants, checking offenders are complying with bail and curfew conditions and visiting persistent criminals and those recently released from prison to check on their activities.

Neighborhood policing teams have also been conducting high visibility patrols in hotspot areas, conducting leaflet drops and inviting the public to visit the mobile police station. Crime reduction advisors also visited vulnerable premises and repeat locations to offer crime prevention advice.

Officers and PCSOs visited three schools in Droylsden and manned a stall at Sainsbury’s supermarket to promote Immobilise.com. Immobilise.com is a free online national database that police can access and compare registered items against property that has been found or recovered from suspected criminals so that they can be returned to their rightful owners.

In addition, officers working with Trading Standards visited second hand dealers and mobile phone shops to check for stolen goods.

Across the Force more than 1,200 criminals were arrested, this follows two weeks of action in June and October last year that saw officers arresting more than 900 offenders.

Tameside Division Chief Inspector Ged O’Connor said: “This operation send out a strong message that the police in Tameside are committed to cutting crime in 2010.

“Our community has made it clear that it will not tolerate crime in its neighbourhoods and we welcome the support the public has shown us.

“Would-be criminals should be warned that no matter how safe they think they are, someone will always know what they are up to.

“Residents can play their part in this fight against these criminals by refusing to buy goods they suspect have been stolen, reporting their suspicions to us either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers and following simple crime reduction advice.

“A third of burglaries are still down to people leaving doors and windows open or unlocked. By locking up, using alarms and keeping burglars guessing by leaving a light on when you go out you can dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to this distressing crime.”

People can help police by providing information on crime and criminal activity either by calling them directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

If you have a local policing issue you can contact:
Tameside East Policing Team on tel: 0161 856 9511
Tameside West Policing Team on tel: 0161 856 9390
Tameside North Policing Team on tel: 0161 856 9350
Tameside South Policing Team on tel: 0161 856 9484
or visit gmp.police.uk/neighbourhoodpolicing and fill out an online questionnaire.