Operation Venture officers catch suspected drug dealer after crashing stolen car into school fence

On Monday 20 January 2024, our dedicated team for tackling serious violence were patrolling key hotspots in Stockport when at around midday covert officers were in a robbery hotspot, identified through intelligence, witnessed a drug deal taking place in Shaw Heath.

Officers engaged in following the suspect in the vehicle, where more information was uncovered linking it to other drug offences and it also being a suspected stolen Audi. With other officers from Operation Venture making their way to the location, the car was driving towards King Street West, when he noticed he was being followed and failed to stop for the unit, driving onto the pavement and away from street traffic.

A brief pursuit to track the vehicle followed before officers found it had collided with three parked vehicles and left abandoned on Earl Street, also colliding with a school fence whilst children played outside. As the driver made off on foot, officers followed and was detained in an alleyway close by.

Thankfully, no serious injuries were suffered by any members of the public, whilst a 23-year-old man was arrested nearby on suspicion of dangerous driving, taking without consent, failing to stop, having no insurance and involved in the supply of drugs. He has since been bailed under investigation whilst enquiries continue by the local District Investigation Team

Sergeant Mohammed Waqas from our Operation Venture team said: “This incident, thankfully didn’t result in anything more serious, but shows the dangers our officers face daily in trying to apprehend suspected criminals. Putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure we can try to stop those who have no regard for others.

“Our team use data to allow us to target key areas we know can uncover incidents such as this and thanks to the quick-thinking and action of the team being able to track down as a group, we were able to find the suspect quickly to prevent any further harm to the local area.

“As always, we also rely on intelligence and information from the community to help us target areas, and you can do this by calling us on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. But you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Anyone with additional information that may help with the investigation of this incident are asked to call 101 direct quoting incident 1329 of 20/01/2025.