Greater Manchester Police investigation into series of burglaries results in two men jailed

Wayne Farrell (07/07/1983) of Stoneyvale Court, Rochdale and Sean O’Sullivan (19/11/1974) of Wasp Mill Drive, Rochdale were, today (Monday 28 February 2022), sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to nine and a half and eight years respectively after previously being convicted of conspiracy to commit burglary.

The pair were involved in five burglaries targeting properties in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire at the beginning of 2019.

During the first, on 22 January 2019, Farrell and O’Sullivan broke into a home on Troutbeck Close, Bury before stealing jewellery and the keys to a blue VW Tiguan, which was then stolen from the driveway.

During the second burglary, on 18 February, a house on Ravenstone Drive, Halifax was targeted. Whisky, designer clothing, Jaguar vehicle keys and two cars – a Vauxhall Mokka and VW Polo – were also stolen.

A third burglary, on 23 February, saw a Jaguar XK and sentimental jewellery stolen from a property on Summerseat Lane, Bury.

Vehicle and house keys were stolen during the fourth burglary, on 9 March, on The Gabriels, Shaw.

Following a thorough investigation by GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, detectives were able to link the burglaries and link them to Farrell and O’Sullivan.

On 27 March 2019, Wayne Farrell was arrested at his home address on Stoneyvale Court, Rochdale. A search of the house uncovered various stolen items including stolen car keys, mobile phones and a large number of crow bars.

On 15 May 2019, Sean O’Sullivan was arrested at his home address on Wasp Mill Drive, Wardle. A vehicle at the address was searched and found to contain a black balaclava, gloves, numerous tools including; a lump hammer, screw driver and bolt cutters. Stolen car keys including those to the a vehicle from Halifax and Shaw were found. A gardening multi-tool stolen believed from the property in Bury was also recovered as well as jewellery stolen from Summerseat Lane in Bury.

Detective Inspector Roger Smethurst, of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “As a result of this investigation, we have been able to bring two active and experienced burglars to justice, as well as recover a great deal of stolen property and return it to their relieved rightful owners.

“Farrell and O’Sullivan stole whatever property they could lay their hands on, without a thought to the financial and psychological impact their crimes were having.

“While no-one was injured in these break-ins, we know the trauma of such crimes can be considerable.

“No-one should be made to feel unsafe in their homes and we’re pleased for the victims that Farrell and O’Sullivan are now behind bars.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via, the independent charity,  Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.