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Robberies crackdown

Exclusive by Laura Kenny
13/ 3/2008

ORGANISED crime gangs from out-of-town are thought to be behind the barrage of armed robberies plaguing Middleton.

Since December a staggering 49 robberies have been recorded against businesses and persons in the town and a specialist team of detectives has been set up to target those suspected of being involved.

Operation Swift was launched by police following a "spike" of 21 robberies recorded in Middleton in January alone - equivalent to one robbery every other day in the township.

Detective Chief Inspector, Jeff McMahon, of Rochdale CID, said local gangs were likely to be responsible for low level incidents but blamed organised gangs operating across police borders with Manchester and Salford for several of the violent raids.

He said: "People involved in this are professionals, they generally wear balaclavas and there is a lot of force used.

"One influence is Middleton's geographic location. There are a couple of motorway junctions and it is not far from the boundary with Manchester.

Mr McMahon said: "There are certainly local gangs but there is also cross border activity with a lot of people from Salford and Manchester.

"We are not linking any of the robberies but they are generally linked with the theft of vehicles and we are working very closely with the Manchester division."

Following the launch of Operation Swift in February police have executed 18 search warrants, made 13 arrests and charged eight suspects.

DCI McMahon said official police figures showed 12 robberies took place in the township in December, 21 in January, 13 in February and three so far in March.

He said robberies had dropped from a high of 21 to 13 in February - a drop of 38 per cent - as a direct result of Operation Swift and added that police had deployed extra officers in vulnerable areas such as the town centre and Mainway, in Alkrington.

Moving to reassure traders and concerned residents,DCI McMahon said: "Obviously there has been a glut of armed robberies in the area but our response has been dynamic and responsive which is reflected in the figures.

"We make every endeavour to disrupt these organised gangs that exist.

"Often it is a case of people being vigilant and making a call if they spot anything suspicious because that piece of information could be the thing we need to prevent or detect one of these offences."

He added police also had a Crime Reduction Unit where traders could seek advice on making their businesses more secure.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8552 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.