Police in Oldham are investigating a series of robbery incidents in Shaw and Failsworth areas

An investigation is currently underway after police have received multiple reports of robberies in the Shaw and Failsworth area of Oldham.

A total of 7 incidents have been reported to police between 12 and 28 June.

From initial enquiries detectives believe that vehicles are being stolen from victims with a group of men threatening violence to get access to the vehicle with bladed article being used in some instances to threaten drivers.

On Friday 30 June 2023, in the Bishops Park Car Park, Ship Lane in Delph, a car was reported stolen at around 12.30am. With enquiries establishing that the victim had been sat in his parked car, when an unknown group of approximately 5 men approached him and removed the keys from the ignition and threatened the victim to get out of the car.

Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Detectives are treating these reports as linked, and are appealing for information from members of the public to aid their investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Lindsay Booth of GMP’s Oldham district, said: “All the incidents reported to us have followed a very similar pattern of offending so we now believe these to have been committed by the same group of people.

“It is lucky no one has been injured during these incidents and we are urging the public to be vigilant, especially whilst walking to your car at night when its dark, these robberies are happening in unlit areas where there is an absence of CCTV.

“We are now in a position in our investigation where we can appeal to the public to help us identify those responsible and we are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a group of men wearing balaclavas in the Shaw area of Oldham.

“If you have dash-cam or mobile footage or any information that you think could assist our investigation then please get in touch. No matter how insignificant you think the information might be, it could form a vital part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information – or footage – should contact police on 0161 856 64521or 101 quoting log 9 of 01/07/2023. Alternatively details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.