Suspected burglars caught after darting for freedom following pursuit and collision in Wigan

At around 9:30am yesterday morning (Tuesday 14 January 2024) officers received reports of a suspected stolen car which was taken from a property on Northumberland Street in Aspull in the early hours.

Travelling at speed it resulted in a road traffic collision on Wigan Road in Standish. Thankfully, no serious injuries were suffered by members of the public.

Following a short pursuit, supported by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and officers from our Commercial Vehicle Unit and Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), three teenagers, two aged 18 and the other 17 were arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in custody for questioning at this time.

Further enquiries by local officers in the Neighbourhood Crime Team have uncovered that they may be linked to other burglaries.

Detective Sergeant Sophie O'Rourke from the Wigan district said; “This incident shows the dangers of evading capture and the devastating consequences that could have been so much worse.

“I’d like to thank members of the public for reporting their concerns as the morning progressed and enabled us to use that information to continue to track their movements and get on top of them with our specialist resources available to us.

“We know burglary of any kind, especially involving vehicles which is the most common, leaves victims distraught, and we are determined to always follow every line of enquiry to support investigations and bring people to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting logs 713 and 354 of 14/01/2025. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.