Police net suspects in crime crackdown

GREATER Manchester Police have made 40 arrests as part of a blitz on burglars, robbers and thieves, writes Liam Thorp.

GMP's Metropolitan Division, which covers areas such as Longsight, Moss Side and Fallowfield, launched an initiative called Operation Volumise to deal with crime hotspots.

Between 14 and 28 February 2012, 40 people were arrested on suspicion of committing burglaries, robberies and car crime.

The crackdown has involved using search and arrest warrants, monitoring persistent offenders and keeping tabs on those recently released from prison.

Many of those arrested were in breach of bail or had failed to respond to court warrants.

Chief Inspector Dave Gilbride said: "We want Operation Volumise to show offenders and our community that we are committed to making criminals account for their crimes.

“Through targeting them in their homes, in our communities and on the streets we have made significant progress in reducing all forms of theft and helped offenders make the choice between going straight or going straight to prison.”

Police Community Support Officers have been visiting hundreds of homes in the affected areas to give advice on crime reduction and warn motorists to remove valuables and lock their cars.

They have also visited supermarkets, shopping centres and other public places to help people register their valuables on Immobilise.com.

Immobilise.com is a website where people can register ownership of property.  

This means valuables are much easier to track in the event of a theft and this service is used by all UK Police forces to trace owners of lost and stolen property.

Residents in the areas covered by the Metropolitan Division praised the results of Operation Volumise.

Lewis Crowther, 23, from Fallowfield, said: “This is great news.

"I think the crime reduction advice could really help around Fallowfield.  

"There are a lot of students from other parts of the country and they aren’t always aware of potential criminals targeting them.  

"When you add a heavy drinking culture to this, it can be easy for burglars to strike.

" Hopefully the police are making people more streetwise.”

Jonathan Pruskin, 23, lives in Longsight and said he was pleased with the police's work in the area.

He said: "There is no doubt that parts of the area are dangerous.  

"I think there is a visible police presence here and that makes me feel safer in my home.  I’m pleased to hear about these arrest figures, it is very reassuring.”

Chief Insp Gilbride said the latest arrests are just the beginning of the operation.

He added: "I can assure law-abiding and law-breaking citizens that it does not end here. We will continue to work to reduce burglary, robbery and vehicle crime and bring offenders to justice over the coming months.

“I urge residents to play their part in the fight against these criminals by refusing to buy goods they suspect have been stolen and reporting their suspicions to us."

Councillor Jim Battle, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "This operation helps send out a serious message that criminal activity will not be tolerated here in Manchester.

"We are working closely with the police in our communities to help reduce burglaries and advise people about what they can do to make their homes safer."