Five-star performance by Interceptors stop burglars in their tracks in Bolton after using stolen vehicle from earlier in the night at Wigan

Friday, 10 May 2024 08:25

By David Murphy

Overnight whilst the most of Greater Manchester slept, our determined and specialised Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) were out prowling the streets and came across a group acting shifty down an alleyway.

Initial reports came in just before midnight of an aggravated burglary on Thirlmere Avenue in Ince, Wigan where a Volkswagen Golf was taken, and the victim threatened at knife point. This was all being filmed at the time by the suspects.

On hearing this incident being reported, the TVIU officers re-deployed and were alerted to a second aggravated burglary being committed in Bolton, where it was confirmed the vehicle stolen in the first burglary was seen travelling at speed along Lords Stile Lane in Bromley Cross.

CCTV and intelligence updates confirmed the gangs movements and motive and enabled the TVIU to pounce on them in the stolen vehicle. Five young adults were arrested aged between 17 and 22 on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody for questioning.

Inspector Danny Kabal from our Specialist Operations department said; “Burglary is a top priority for us and the officers from my unit are determined to catch those who think it is acceptable to make innocent members of the public feel vulnerable in their own homes.

“When we heard the first offence take place just before midnight, the TVIU re-deployed across GMP and we managed to catch the offenders shortly after they went onto commit a second aggravated burglary.

“As a result of our quick response, and by utilising our specialist skills and technology including ANPR, we were able to locate the vehicle which was taken by the offenders during one of the burglaries. This vehicle will be reunited with its rightful owner later today.

“I would like to reassure the public that our investigative colleagues from Wigan and Bolton will now pull out all the stops to get these offenders charged and put before the Courts at the earliest opportunity – with the intention of sending them to prison where they belong.”