Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit make arrest as they send warning to car thieves following a pursuit

This morning (28 February 2025)  at around 11am, our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) were in the Stockport area following a burglary last night where a vehicle was reported stolen.

Whilst on patrol, they came across a vehicle which matched the description given by officers investigating the burglary the night before.

As officers approached the vehicle, it made off at high speed and specially trained drivers from TVIU began a pursuit.

The vehicle reached speeds of up to 90mph and the pursuit quickly came to an end when the black Ford Fiesta attempted to turn the wrong way onto the A34, a busy road in Manchester.

Specially trained officers tactically made contact with the car which brought it to a safe stop.

Following a search of the car, officers found mole grips, balaclavas and gloves which we believe would have been used to commit further burglaries in the area along with OBD readers, cannabis and other registration plates

Two officers suffered minor injuries as a result of stopping the vehicle and no other injuries were reported, and no contact was made with other members of the public vehicles.

One man, aged 18, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, going equipped to steal, possession of controlled drugs, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and recall to prison and a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of burglary, going equipped to steal and possession of controlled drugs. They remain in police custody.

Inspector Danny Kabal from GMP's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit said: “Alongside officers from Stockport’s Neighbourhood Crime Team, we were able to deploy our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit to the area to hunt down a vehicle that was reported stolen last night.

“Once officers had sighted the suspected stolen Ford Fiesta, the driver decided to make off at high speeds in an attempt to evade capture.

“During the pursuit, there was a total disregard for the lives of innocent members of the public as the driver attempted to turn the vehicle the wrong way along the A34 bypass in Cheadle. 

“Upon seeing this risk, specially trained officers quickly reacted and did not hesitate to put themselves in danger to protect the public, they were able to tactically stop the vehicle before arresting the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

“Thankfully, no members of the public were injured, but without the quick-thinking actions of the officers, this could’ve ended very differently.

“I’d like to use this as an opportunity to warn those individuals who think that they can drive in a dangerous and irresponsible manner, that we will use all resources available to stop and arrest you.

“Two of our officers have suffered minor injuries today which highlights the danger officers place themselves in day in, day out to protect the public from reckless actions like this.

“We would like to thank the public for their support and patience as the road was closed for a short amount of time.”