Greater Manchester Police Roads Policing Unit intercepted three vehicles

Within the last four weeks, Greater Manchester Police Roads Policing Unit intercepted three vehicles using the motorway network to transfer stolen plant machinery between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Officers from the GMP Roads Policing Unit were patrolling the M61 and M60 when they spotted the vehicles. Two vans had to be stopped using TPAC tactics, and two offenders were arrested after a short foot chase. In total five offenders were arrested and charged.

The items were recovered before the victim even realised they had been stolen, with a total recovery value of more than £70,000.

PC Phil Raymond of GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said: “Plant machinery theft has a significant impact on both the owner and those who have rented the machinery to carry out work. It's not just the inconvenience, but also the costs to the public and the economy.

“Cross-County Crime is an ongoing battle, therefore responding promptly and decisively is paramount in denying these criminals access to strategic road networks.

“With five arrests, three stolen vehicles recovered, and numerous pieces of plant machinery recovered in such a short period of time, we've made a dent in this Organised Crime Group."