GMP and neighbouring forces collaborate to bring suspected thieves to a halt

In the early hours of the morning (Sunday 17 March) Greater Manchester Police Roads Policing Unit (RPU) were made aware of a vehicle on its way to Manchester city centre with occupants believed to be linked to a series of thefts from nightclubs in Merseyside.

As a short pursuit began, items believed to be stolen phones were thrown from the car in an attempt to hide them from police. Inside the vehicle, police discovered 17 additional phones, bank cards, personal identification items, and sim cards. Work is now ongoing to return these to their rightful owners.

Using specialist tactics, police from GMP and Cheshire Constabulary were able to safely bring the vehicle to a stop. Four men, aged between 27 to 36 were arrested on suspicion of theft. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Sergeant Jeff Hollick from GMP Roads Policing Unit said: “These arrests are a great result thanks to effective cross force and border collaboration. Criminals don’t operate to borders, so neither will we, and we will use all resources available to stop criminals in their tracks.

This is a great example of how our unit are able to utilise their specialist training to pursue criminals and bring them into custody. This wasn’t a one-off operation; it was an extension of the excellent collaborative work we already do between forces on a daily basis to further prevent and disrupt criminals across the region.”