Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit make three arrests and seize lock snap kits and balaclavas from vehicle following pursuit

A stolen vehicle which was suspected of being used to commit burglaries across Greater Manchester was sighted in South Manchester shortly before 10pm last night (Tuesday 14 January 2025).

Officers from our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit responded to this sighting and made their way to the border of GMP and Cheshire.  A short time later, our TVIU officers sighted the stolen vehicle and began to follow it whilst developing a plan to bring it to a stop.  The stolen vehicle failed to stop for the officers and a police pursuit commenced. 

At the conclusion of the pursuit, three men aged 35, 39 and 40 were arrested on suspicion of committing burglary, dangerous driving and going equipped to steal.  They remain in police custody for questioning.

On searching the vehicle, officers located gloves, balaclavas and lock snap kits.  These items have been seized for forensic analysis along with the car - which will be returned to its rightful owner.  It is believed that the suspects are prolific serious acquisitive crime offenders with one of the men being wanted on a recall to prison.

Inspector Danny Kabal of GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, said: “This result will hopefully reassure the public that our TVIU officers, in partnership with other specialist resources, are proactively patrolling the streets of Greater Manchester with the intention of capturing those intent on causing harm to innocent members of our communities. 

“In addition to these three arrests, our colleagues from the Tactical Firearms Unit also arrested three men on suspicion of burglary in the Bury area last night.  Whilst these incidents are unconnected, it demonstrates to the public how far and wide we spread our specialist resources in support of our district and neighbourhood policing teams.

“Catching burglars and putting them in prison is one of our top priorities and this is exactly what we will continue to do.  I would like to thank the public for their support and I apologise for any inconvenience caused to them whilst my officers safely managed this pursuit."