GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit recover stolen vehicle within an hour

Police were made aware of a stolen vehicle following a 999 call from security officers at a mosque in the Middleton area of Rochdale at around 8.20pm yesterday evening (27 March 2024).

The report to police stated that the owners of the vehicle had parked their car outside the mosque and went inside with their car keys still on their person.

Security officers noticed the car had been driven off, with the owners inside the building, and quickly called 999.

Officers from GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit raced to the area to try and locate the vehicle and they were supported by a helicopter from the National Police Air Service. 

A short time later, the vehicle was located on Long Street, Rochdale.

A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Theft of Motor Vehicle after being located attempting to hide from officers in the back of the car.

Sergeant Bobby Nasim of GMP’s TVIU, said: “The vehicle was recovered in an hour after it was reported stolen to us, showing the brilliant partnership work that goes into locating and finding these vehicles.

“This result shows the lengths we will go to in order to prevent a pursuit from occurring and how the emphasis is always on keeping the public as safe as possible.

“The highly trained drivers from the TVIU patrol Greater Manchester day and night, with the sole purpose of disrupting crime and keeping our streets safe.”

We would like our communities to use crime prevention to actively make it hard for criminals and GMP is encouraging owners to take a few minutes to review keys tips on how to keep your vehicle safe by clicking this link: Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)