Man jailed for 4 and a half years following five lock snap burglaries in North Manchester and Oldham

Lewis Dooley (28/09/2000) of Penn Street, North Manchester was sentenced to 4 and a half years imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court on the Tuesday 25 April 2023 after pleading guilty to a number of burglaries. 

Lewis Dooley 

Earlier this week (Tuesday 9 May 2023), a juvenile who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 24 month youth referral order, a 6 month electronic curfew and 91 days community service after an appearance at Youth Court.

The burglaries happened in Oldham and North Manchester in 2022. They both broke into the victim’s homes in the middle of the night whilst they were asleep forcing the patio doors open using lock snaps.

As a result of the five burglaries, a total of five vehicles were stolen using keys found in the victim’s houses along with other high value items.

On 24 October 2022 officers in GMP’s North Manchester Neighbourhood Team pursued a vehicle after it refused to stop, following a short pursuit Dooley and four others were arrested on suspicion of Taking Without Owner's Consent. Within the vehicle, keys from a number of burglaries were located.

Following this, a lengthy and complex investigation was carried out by the North Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team, linking them to a number of previous burglaries.  

Detective Sergeant Terina Arthern of GMP’s North Manchester district, said: "Both pleaded guilty after a tireless investigation. They are prolific burglars who thought they could victimise innocent people in their own homes and escape justice by attempting to drive away from police.

"I would like to praise all teams involved in their efforts for ensuring that Dooley and his acquaintance were detained.

“Whilst we continue tirelessly to tackle criminal behaviour in our communities, I urge people to continue to take vigilant steps to try and prevent them becoming a victim of this type of crime themselves.”

To help us help you, follow GMP’s top tips to protect your home from lock snap burglaries:

• You can add additional locks to existing patio and French doors for extra security.
• Look to upgrade your euro cylinder locks to an anti-snap cylinder lock with a three start rating under TS 007 or an anti-snap cylinder which has a solid secure diamond standard.
• Consider improving door handles as well and replace them with a two star rating under TS 007.
• Use a reputable lock replacement company preferably with a Master Locksmiths Association accreditation (www.locksmiths.co.uk
• You might be able to fit sash jammers to your doors, which have also been proven to prevent burglaries. (check this won’t invalidate any warranty on existing doors)

For more crime prevention advice: www.gmp.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention.

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via, the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555.

Anyone with information should contact police or Crimestoppers, anonymously.