‘Burglary gang’ hit by police in dawn raids
ASUSPECTED professional burglary gang was targeted by police in major dawn raids. The police operation – one of the biggest in recent history in the north west – was part of an investigation into more than 160 break-ins across Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire.
Eight people were held in raids in Liverpool and Lancashire.
Nine warrants were carried out in Merseyside and Lancashire.
All eight people were taken to police stations across Merseyside.
In many cases, cars were stolen and the burglaries took place predominately during the night, but also in daylight.
Sometimes, homeowners and their families, including young children, were confronted inside their properties.
Detectives said the criminality involved a significant level of sophistication and planning.
It is understood police are confident they have taken the alleged ringleaders off the streets as part of this probe.
Merseyside Police say it is one of the biggest burglary operations ever carried out in the north west in recent history.
The value of property stolen is believed to run into many hundreds of thousands of pounds.
In some cases, cars and other items have been returned to their owners, but some property remains outstanding.
Homes from every demographic were targeted by the group, not just wealthy homes.
Detective Inspector Steve Ball, leading this investigation, said on Wednesday last week: “This morning’s activity is a large step forward in this long-running and complex investigation, and those arrested will now be questioned.
“We’d like to thank our neighbouring forces Lancashire and Cheshire for their continued assistance, as we continue to investigate across the region.
“The suspected scale of offences and victim affected means that this could be one of the most significant burglary operations ever carried out in the north west region.
“Today is also a good opportunity to highlight what measures we can all take to further secure our properties against would-be burglars, especially as the shorter days draw in.
“People’s homes are left in darkness for longer, giving criminals more opportunity to break in.
“Taking advice given by the police can help make life as difficult as possible for them and decreases the chances of your home being targeted.
“Improving security features like locks and alarms, and making sure your house always looks occupied can make a big difference.
“Often people are either forgetting to both push the door handle up as well as turn the key, or they are leaving it unlocked while round at a neighbour’s or elsewhere in the house.
“Opportunists can try dozens of handles in a street and it won’t be long before they find one that opens.
“It is very important that people are extra-vigilant this time of year and ensure that they take home security seriously.
“Many burglaries can be prevented by taking very simple measures such as ensuring all windows and doors are locked, even when at home.”
Anyone with information on burglary is asked to contact the dedicated email address on operation.castle@merseyside.police.uk.
You can also pass information to the Merseyside Police social media desk @ MerPolCC, call 101, or call or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.