Suspected burglar arrested after being stopped in his tracks by Tactical Vehicle Interceptor Unit

At around 1.30am this morning (Thursday 16 November 2023), GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Interceptor Unit (TVIU) patrol officers were alerted to an Audi SQ5 which was driving dangerously at speeds of 150 mph and undertaking other vehicles on the M60 heading over the border into Cheshire.

The vehicle, believed to be linked to a number of high value family gold burglaries in both Cheshire and Manchester, failed to stop for officers and was later found with the lights out on the hard shoulder near to the Warrington junction of the M62.

Inside the vehicle officers located a large amount of family gold, a balaclava, a knife and cannabis which were later seized.

With the help of officers from GMP Traffic, a man in his 20s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of burglary.

Inspector Paul Bray, from GMP's Specialist Operations unit, said: "This arrest is the result of the quick-thinking from officers on duty and it is a huge step in our efforts to make the streets of Greater Manchester a safer place.

"This is just an insight into one night in the region, where we're going after those causing the most harm to our communities and arresting suspected burglars.

"We'll continue to work 24/7 to catch those committing crime and will always aim to return suspected stolen property to its rightful owners.

"We will continue to work to bring offenders to justice, but I would ask that residents help us to help them by following our simple crime prevention advice.

• Don’t give burglars a window of opportunity – close windows whilst you are out and always lock doors even when inside your home, or out of the house even if it’s just for a short time.
• Keep valuables hidden from view inside your home.
  Set an alarm when leaving the house or if you’re in bed.
• Keep bins away from windows when they’re not being used as they can be used as a climbing aid for burglars.
• Register your valuables on immobilise.com so property can be returned to its rightful owner if stolen. 

“For more crime prevention advice to keep yourself and your home safe – visit Crime prevention advice | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Anyone with information that will help bring burglars and handlers of stolen goods to justice is encouraged to contact police either via the LiveChat or reporting function on our website or by calling 101.

You can also pass on information anonymously through CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.