Arrests after pharmacy car and drugs theft
THREE men have been arrested after a car being used by a pharmacy to deliver essential prescription drugs to communities in Rochdale was stolen.
The vehicle, a Vauxhall Corsa, was recovered, but the drugs were missing.
Police said enquiries to trace them were ongoing.
The types of drugs stolen haven’t been revealed by Greater Manchester Police, but the force said they weren’t related to coronavirus.
The arrests were three of six made over just a few hours on Wednesday morning by officers from GMP’s tactical vehicle intercept unit (TVIU).
Three stolen vehicles were recovered in total.
“I’d particularly like to highlight the hard work undertaken to recover the pharmacy’s delivery vehicle,” said Sergeant Daniel Kabal, from the unit.
“This was essential at this unprecedented time - especially for the most vulnerable people in our communities who rely on that service to deliver their medication.”
Police were called to reports of the Corsa’s theft at around 10.20am.
It sparked a search of the area which included the police helicopter, GMP’s road policing unit and the force’s police dog unit.
A GMP spokesman said: “A short time later, the vehicle was located and recovered.
“Three men were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of controlled drugs and non-compliance with Covid-19 restrictions.
“They remain in police custody for questioning.”
Then, at around 10.50am, officers carrying out a routine patrol in Rochdale spotted a suspected stolen Volkswagen Polo.
The tactical vehicle intercept unit engaged in a short pursuit which resulted in a woman being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs, dangerous driving, failing to stop and non-compliance with Covid-19 restrictions.
She also remains in police custody for questioning, a force spokesman said.
As the unit’s officers left that scene, a second suspected stolen car, a 3 Series BMW, was spotted in north Manchester.
The BMW is believed to have been stolen in a burglary in Stockport.
After another pursuit, the car was stopped and two men arrested.
They were being questioned in custody on Wednesday night on suspicion of burglary, handling stolen goods and possession with intent to supply drugs.
Sgt Kabal added:
“Today’s results are a great example of how Greater Manchester Police utilises specialist resources such as the tactical vehicle intercept unit, and the team work across the entire specialist operations branch when it comes to protecting our communities.
“In just a few hours, officers from the TVIU assisted with three incidents resulting in six arrests and the recovery of three stolen vehicles and I’d like to thank the officers involved for their efforts in securing these outcomes.”