Three burglary suspects caught overnight by GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit in Stretford

Officers are currently questioning three suspects in custody on suspicion of attempted burglary after an incident in Stretford overnight.

At around 1.15am early this morning (Tuesday 13 February 2024), whilst Greater Manchester was asleep, GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) patrol officers were out keeping the region safe and were alerted by response officers in Trafford to a possible break in at a commercial building on Chester Road, Stretford.

Following a short pursuit, the vehicle was safely stopped.

Inside the vehicle, a Ford Transit van, officers located numerous large boxes containing vapes, which were later seized.

With the help of response officers, three men aged 18, 19 and 24 were arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted burglary.

Chief Inspector Paul Bray, of GMP’s Specialist Operations branch, said: “This is just a snapshot of one night in the region where we're going after those causing the most harm to our communities and arresting suspected burglars.

"Our focus remains on catching those committing crime every day, and 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 so we can help you keep yourself and your property safe.

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.