Police have recovered a car believed to have been involved in a crash before a firearm was discharged thanks to information supplied by the public.

Officers were called to a report of a shot being fired on Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, just before 11.25pm on 11 April 2022 where it’s believed two vehicles were involved in a collision before a firearm was discharged.

A BMW has now been recovered and is being examined by police.

Superintendent Helen Critchley, from GMP’s City of Manchester district, said:

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“I would like to thank the members of the public for providing the information that has allowed us to recover a BMW, which is now undergoing forensic examination.

"However, we are still appealing for information about the collision and subsequent firearm discharge - we particularly want to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident.

“This was a reckless incident but fortunately no-one was injured."

 

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is asking to get in touch by calling 0161 856 1146 quoting log 3469-110422 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Officers believe the incident to be isolated with no wider risk to the public.
 

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a firearm discharge in Cheetham Hill last night (11 April 2022).

Officers were called to a report of a shot fired on Cheetham Hill Road just before 11.25pm where it’s believed two vehicles were involved in a collision before a firearm was discharged. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Stop and search powers have been put in place under Section 60 of the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act until 10am tomorrow (13 April 2022).

A Section 60 order can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe serious violence is about to occur and gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location, looking for offensive weapons or bladed articles.

Officers patrolling the area are able to stop and search anyone while a Section 60 is in use. 

Superintendent Helen Critchley, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said:

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“This was a reckless incident that we suspect was isolated but it could have resulted in someone being seriously injured.

“Our officers have already been following up a number of lines of enquiry since last night and we’ve imposed a section 60 order meaning officers can stop and search anyone within those areas.

“We’re now appealing for anyone who may have any information and may have seen anything on Lytton Avenue, Huxley Avenue and Cheetham Hill Road between 11pm and 11.40pm last night to get in touch.

“We’re particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen a BMW SUV, possibly grey in colour, which is one of the vehicles believed to have been involved in the collision.

“Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is asking to get in touch by calling 0161 856 1146 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

 

At around 5pm on Wednesday 23 February 2022, three unknown males parked outside an address on Oaklea Road, Sale.

The offenders who were all seen to be in possession of machetes, have then gained access to the rear of the property, having smashed a window before carrying out an untidy search then leaving.

The vehicle they arrived in was a grey/silver Volkswagen Tiguan. 

Detectives are keen to speak to the three males pictured in the CCTV images as part of their enquiries.

Anyone with information, or anyone who can identify these three males, are asked to contact PC DENNY on 0161 856 7634 quoting log number 2147 of the 23rd February 2022.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jacob Gaskell (09/04/03), of Malborough Avenue, Ince has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, whilst disqualified, whilst unlicensed/ uninsured, serious injury by dangerous driving, whilst disqualified and failing to stop.

He has been remanded in custody until a hearing at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court on Monday 11 April 2022.

At around 9.20pm on Friday 8 April 2022, we were called to a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Ormskirk Road, Pemberton. A female pedestrian in her 40s sadly died. Two male pedestrians were seriously injured. A second male who was also arrested has been released under investigation.

In March fire stations across Greater Manchester held charity car washes to raise money to support the people of Ukraine after the unprovoked invasion by Russian troops.

Firefighters, volunteers and staff from across Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Combined Authority got their hoses out and raised thousands of pounds to support frontline medical charity UK Med.

Once all the donations were tallied up they had raised an incredible £34,606!

The staff wish to say a huge thank you to everyone that took part.

They were delighted to hand over a cheque to UK Med at Fire Service Headquarters on Thursday (7th April).

A pedestrian has sadly died following a collision in Wigan last night (8 April 2022).

Officers were called at around 9.20pm to a report of a road traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Ormskirk Road in Pemberton.

A silver Land Rover Freelander was travelling along Ormskirk Road towards Orrell Road when it collided with three pedestrians stood on the pavement, near to a public house. A driver failed to stop at the scene.

Emergency services attended and sadly, a woman in her 40s was taken to hospital but later died.

Two other male pedestrians suffered serious injuries.

Officers have arrested two males on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. They remain in custody at this time.

The scene remains closed and drivers are advised to take alternative routes.  

PC Oliver Batty, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“Our thoughts are with the woman’s family who are understandably devastated by the circumstances of how their loved one has lost their life.

“We immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances and the road has been closed for some time whilst we carried out a number of enquiries.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have any information or dash-cam footage that may be able to assist with our investigation and give the woman’s family the answers they deserve.

“In particular, anyone who may have seen a silver Land Rover Freelander in the area of Ormskirk Road in the minutes leading up to this incident is urged to contact us.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 4741 or report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.”

 

The past week, Monday 4 April–Friday 8 April 2022, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been supporting a national campaign to raise awareness and help prevent victims of courier fraud.

Courier fraud is when a scammer contacts the victim via phone pretending to be either a police officer or a member of staff from their bank. The fraudster may even give the victim another number to call or ask them to call the number on the back of their bank card, in a bid to convince them that they are genuine. However, the scammer will keep the line open at their end, so when the victim makes the call, they are unknowingly connected straight back to the scammer or one of their associates. The fraudster will then try to convince the victim to go and withdraw money or purchase an expensive item and hand it over to them, under the guise that they are helping with an investigation and will be reimbursed.

Between 10 February–5 April 2022, 10 incidents of courier fraud were reported in Greater Manchester. One involved the victim being called by a fraudster claiming to be a police officer. After asking the victim questions about their finances, the fraudster convinced the victim that they are required to assist with an ongoing fraud investigation and go to their bank to withdraw £7,500. They are not to tell the bank they have been contacted by the police and instead tell them the money is for home improvements. Once the cash was withdrawn, the victim was told they needed to go to the Post Office and exchange the money for euros, however this request was declined by the Post Office, so the offender instructed the victim to meet them and hand over the £7,500.

There have also been cases in Greater Manchester of offenders convincing victims that they need to help them investigate a business that is operating fraudulently by making a purchase from that business and then handing it over to the fraudster as ‘evidence’. In one instance, a victim was contacted on numerous occasions and told by the fraudster that he worked for a fraud prevention company. The victim was then manipulated into making several online purchases, which the fraudsters then collected from the victim’s address.

How can you protect yourself from courier fraud?

Remember that your bank or a police officer will never call you to ask you to verify your personal details, or PIN by phone or offer to pick up your card by courier. Hang up if you get a call like this.

If you need to contact your bank to check the call was legitimate, wait five minutes, as the fraudsters may stay on the line after you hang up. Alternatively, use a different line altogether to contact your bank.

Your debit or credit card is yours – don’t let a stranger take it off you. You should only ever have to hand it over at your bank. If it’s cancelled, you should destroy it yourself.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Donohue, of GMP’s Economic Crime and Cyber Team, said:

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“Falling victim of a scam can be devastating – both financially and emotionally.

“GMP works hard to not only try to get victims back their money, but also ensure we reduce the number of victims we have and the number of individuals that become repeat victims, by sharing key steps we can all take to spot the signs of a scam and stop fraudsters in their tracks.

“Important to remember is that you should never share personal or financial information with someone you do not know or trust. If someone calls you claiming to be a police officer, ask for their ID number and police force then wait five minutes before ringing their local station – a genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check. If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of courier fraud, please contact the police on 101 or call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”

 

A man has been charged by police following travel disruption in Worsley this week after three Vantage buses were damaged.

Dylan Henderson, (22/09/2000), has been charged with criminal damage and is due to next appear at Wigan Magistrates Court on the 18 May 2022.

The charge relates to an incident which occurred on Wednesday (6 April 2022), where three buses were damaged by stones being thrown at them forcing TfGM to re-route the buses.

The incident cause disruption across the service which runs along the A580 through Salford between Manchester an Leigh.

Police say that Henderson was arrested following a CCTV appeal and was charged this afternoon (8 April 2022). 

A convicted drug dealer from Rochdale who lived well beyond what he could allegedly afford has been sentenced following a lengthy investigation into money laundering.

The court heard that Mahmood Hussain (21/09/1976), of Gowers Street, Rochdale, was previously convicted and sentenced for supplying heroin with a street value of over six million pounds back in 2019.

However, following an investigation by Economic and Cyber Crime Section’s Money Laundering Team, it was found that Mahmood had very little money in his bank accounts, had no houses and earnt very little money through the three car businesses he owned.

An investigation was launched by the team in January 2019 after he was charged with conspiracy to supply A drugs - amounting to 17kg of high purity heroin. He was jailed for 13 years later that year.

It was found that the 45-year-old had actually funded deposits, improvements and mortgage payments on two houses that were in the names of family members. Designer clothing, handbags, footwear, jewellery and house modifications that cost thousands of pounds were also found by officers.

A Volkswagen and an Audi RS4 used by Hussain were also registered in other names.

The court heard that £336k was laundered – all money that he’s believed to have gained through his role as a drug dealer.

Hussain was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (7 April 2022) after pleading guilty to three counts of money laundering. He was sentenced to two years which will run concurrent to his existing prison sentence.

Detective Constable Louise Henry, from GMP’s Economic and Cyber Crime Section, said:

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“Hussain lived an extremely lavish life and lived in a renovated property that had clearly been modified thanks to the huge sums of cash he had through his career as a criminal drug dealer.

“This was a lengthy investigation that has taken two years to bring to the courts after months of meticulous scanning by the team who had to identify where the money was coming from and going to which can be an extremely complicated and long-winded task.

“We will continue to target those who cause the most harm in communities and investigate those who are living lavish lifestyles, funded by criminal means.

“With the current rising cost of living, targeting those who are living luxurious lifestyles funded by criminal means is especially important as those who don’t break the law are simply earning a living as best as they can.

“A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be held in due course.”

 

Three people have been sentenced and nine have been charged following a huge operation in Oldham last week.

The day of action, involving resources from all 10 GMP districts, was the sixth carried out by the force taking the total number of arrests to almost 150 since October 2021 when the operation first launched.

Two men have already been charged in connection with Operation Baroque, an investigation into the criminal use of the encrypted platform Encrochat.

John Paul Rains, 35, of Huddersfield Road, Oldham, was charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm without a certificate, conspiracy to import Class A drugs namely heroin with intent to evade prohibition/restriction, conspiracy to supply a Class A controlled drug, namely heroin, conspiracy to supply a Class A controlled drug, namely cocaine, conspiracy to supply Class B controlled drugs, namely ketamine and cannabis and conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B namely ketamine.

Daniel Joseph David Rains, 38, of Manesty Close, Middleton, was charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs namely heroin with intent to evade prohibition/restriction, conspiracy to Supply a Class A controlled drug, namely heroin and conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B namely ketamine. They have both been remanded in custody until their next appearance at Minshull Street Crown Court on 6 May.

Three men have already been sentenced and brought to justice in court for offences that include failing to appear and breach of a non-molestation order.

Other charges as a result of Oldham’s Operation Avro include:

Thomas Gregson, 73, of Broadway, Chadderton, has been charged with assault and released on bail until his next appearance on 14 July 2022 at Manchester Magistrates’ Court

Kay Mills, 40, of Whetstone Hill Lane, Oldham, has been charged with obstructing a constable and will next appear at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 14 April 2022

Jamil Hussain, 42, of Park Road, has been charged with common assault and bailed to appear at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 24 June 2022

Craig Jump, 33, of Copster Hill Road, has been charged with burglary and will next appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 14 April 2022

Leighton Browne, 28, of Craven Street, has been charged with failing to stop for a constable and disqualified driving and will next appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 5 May 2022

Daniel McDonald, 38, of Sumner Street, Shaw, has been charged with abstracting electricity and will next appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 14 April 2022

Ann-Marie Timmins, 29, of Seatoller Court, Royton, was arrested on warrant for failing to appear for an offence of assault. He was bailed to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on 28 April 2022

Mohammed Mills, 33, of Church Path, Glastonbury, has been charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis and will next appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 12 April 2022

Andre Jastrzebski, 49, of Melling Road, has been charged with drink driving, driving without insurance and no MOT and will next appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 21 April 2022

Officers investigating an incident in which three buses in Leigh were damaged yesterday (6 April 2022) have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as part of their enquiries.

The incident caused major disruption of service on the route which passes through Salford along the A580 East Lancashire Road.

At around 11.15 am yesterday, police received a report that an unknown male was spotted throwing stones at the buses travelling along the guided bus line, leading to TfGM temporarily diverting the buses along an alternate route as a safety precaution.

Three buses were damaged and had to be removed from service causing serious disruption for passengers.

Officers attended the scene but have not located the offender.

Inspector Stephen Griffin, of GMPs Safer Transport Unit,  said:

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"This incident caused disruption to the local transport services in the Worsley/Atherton areas and put the public and bus drivers in danger. This is completely unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated. A full investigation has been launched and we are working closely with TfGM and First Buses to try and identify the offender.

"We would like to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV images as part of our enquiries and would ask anyone who could identify him to please get in touch with police on 0161 856 5324 quoting log 1085 6/4/22.

"Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111".

 

Three men who supplied approximately 13 kilos of cocaine and discussed criminal cash assets of over £1.1 million have been jailed for over 35 years in the latest under Operation Venetic - the UK's biggest ever law enforcement operation.

Jake Meade (08/09/1988), Taunton Road, Chadderton, Dale Reid (18/04/1990), of Saxwood Avenue, Blackley, and Liam McGrath (21/01/1987), of no fixed abode, were all jailed yesterday (4 April 2022) after pleading guilty to conspiring to supply class A drugs.

An investigation by detectives found that Meade played the leading role in the organised crime group who used encrypted phones to operate and distribute cocaine.

The group supplied over 13 kilos of cocaine over a seven week period with prices ranging from £37k to £40k per kilo. 

Following analysis of encrypted messages over a seven week period, it was found that the group were involved in the high level supply of multi-kilo quantities of cocaine. Meade, operating under the name of 'Cookietender' on his device, orchestrated events with the assistant of Reid - also known as 'Navalhound' and 'Usualbee'. Both men then utilised their trusted courier and storeman, McGrath.

In the messages it was also revealed that the three discussed purchasing a van and installing a hide within it to conceal their drugs and money rather than using a backpack. Their drug dealing operation came to an end when officers swooped in and arrested Meade and Reid following a warrants on 30 July 2020.

Officers seized over £43k in cash, three vehicles, large amounts of designer clothing, handbags and jewellery including a Cartier watch and bracelet, a diamond ring and Louis Vuitton bracelets.

A proceeds of crime hearing will now follow seeking to reclaim the criminally acquired assets and properties.

Meade was jailed for 14 years and five months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and facilitate the acquisition/acquire/possess criminal property. Reid was jailed for 14 years and five months and McGrath was jailed for seven years at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, both for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Operation Venetic - a nationwide crackdown led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) into the communications platform EncroChat - is the UK's biggest ever law enforcement operation.

Over 200 arrests have been made under the operation since it launched in the region almost two years ago which has seen detectives investigate numerous investigations into hundreds of high-level suspects.

Detective Sergeant Paul Halliwell, from GMP's Organised Crime Coordination Unit, said:

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"This was a sophisticated and organised drugs operation which led to multiple kilos of cocaine being distributed across the region. They attempted to hide their operation by using the sophisticated and expensive Encrochat technology but were caught out by us and we were able to see the extent in which they used the phones to run their operation.

"A huge quantity of drugs have been taken off the streets as a result and three more drug dealers have been put behind bars for a considerable number of years, putting an end to their drug dealing days which they attempted to cover up.

"GMP is dedicated to relentless pursuing and disrupting those flooding the region with drugs and will do all we can to bring those involved to justice. Drugs not only pose a risk to those who take them, but they are also often one of the biggest factors that lead to serious violence on our streets.

"Anyone with information about drugs in their area can report it online or by using our LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

A man captured on mobile phone footage firing a makeshift firearm in broad daylight in the middle of a field in Radcliffe has been jailed for six years after being brought to justice by our detectives.

Liam Whitbread (24) was described by a judge as 'dangerous' as he was sentenced on Friday 1 April to also serve an additional three years on license after being found guilty by a jury of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Manchester Crown Court heard how on the sunny Bank Holiday weekend afternoon of Saturday 30 May 2020, Whitbread fired a homemade shotgun - known as a 'slamgun' - after carrying it in a towel onto Redbank playing fields.

Video footage filmed on a mobile phone shows the moment Whitbread fired the gun towards - detectives believe to be - a rival group on the park, as families sunbathed and children played nearby on the field.

He thankfully didn’t physically injure anyone but did cause distress and panic for many of those present.

We received a number of calls from the public about the incident and detectives from Bury CID began to investigate a complex inquiry to identify the gunman and to prove his involvement in the incident.

Investigators compiled a compelling case against Whitbread thanks to witnesses, CCTV trawls, and forensic analysis that - when presented to court over a four-day trial - saw a jury find him guilty.

Whitbread, of Grosvenor Street, Radcliffe was sentenced later that day to serve six years imprisonment and has been handed a further three years on license when he's released as he was described as a 'dangerous' offender.

Detective Inspector Andy Wright, of GMP Bury's CID, said:

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"The rash recklessness demonstrated by Liam Whitbread was as ridiculous as it was dangerous and it's important that he now has to serve a number of years behind bars for what he did that day.

"It's fortunate that nobody - including Whitbread himself - didn’t suffer any physical injuries as a result of his actions, but that doesn’t diminish the impact it had on those who were there or who heard the gunshot as it was no doubt a distressing and fearful incident.

"Crime involving guns is one our top priorities and we continue to work with great intent to ensure that the use of firearms on the streets of Bury is as low as possible.

"We work tirelessly to prevent such incidents occurring, but are committed in that when they do occur we will do all we can to identify and bring to justice those responsible."

 

We take reports of gun crime extremely seriously and encourage people to report anything concerning or suspicious to us online, if able, or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At around 05:15am today (Thursday 31st March 2022), officers from GMP's Oldham Challenger Team and the Regional Organised Crime Unit executed three drug warrants at properties in the Waterhead area of Oldham, Langley area of Middleton and the Lower Place area of Rochdale.

During the warrants two men aged 35 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

Conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs.

Conspiracy to Import Class A Drugs.

Conspiracy to Manufacture and Supply Class B Drugs.

Conspiracy to possess Firearms and ammunition.

They remain in custody for questioning.

Various items were also seized as part of the operation, including suspected Class A and B drugs, mobile phones, designer clothing, a stolen vehicle and cash.

The action forms part of Operation Foam which is GMP's strand of the NCA led 'Operation Venetic'. Operation Foam is a lengthy and intricate force-wide operation focused on the infiltration and takedown of the encrypted communications platform Encrochat, often used by organised criminal groups.

Detective Constable Chris Brown, of GMP's Oldham Challenger Team, said:

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"Today's result follows months of meticulous planning and investigative work and is yet another positive step forward in our endeavour to disrupt and dismantle the supply of class A and B Drugs, the criminal use of firearms and Organised crime in the Greater Manchester area.

"Whilst we have two men in custody our investigation does remain ongoing and we will continue to investigate and eradicate this type of criminal activity from the area. Drugs and illegal firearms in particular, blight communities and have absolutely no place amongst our community so I would encourage anyone with any information in regard to this type of activity to get in touch with police. Reports will be treated with the upmost seriousness and can be made in confidence."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8934 or 101. Details can also be passed via our live webchat function at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police say that a man has been charged with driving offences after a man died following a collision in Heywood earlier this month.

A collision involving a BMW that failed to stop for police was reported on Rochdale Road East at around 11.45pm on Sunday 20 March 2022.

Two men, aged 27 and 18, were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, on Tuesday 22 March, 27-year-old Simbarashe Mhepo died.

Alan Michael McDonagh (19/04/2003), of no fixed address, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by disqualified driving, causing death by uninsured driving and causing death by unlicensed driving.

He is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court this afternoon (31 March 2022).

Officers in Oldham have released CCTV images of the last known movements of a man missing since Saturday 26 March 2022.

Michael Holland, 79, was last seen on Long Lane, Chadderton, at around 1pm, and officers have now released new CCTV stills of him walking down the street.

He is described as a white male, 5ft 9in tall, with grey hair and of a stocky build.

Michael was last seen wearing a dark grey hooded top and blue trousers, and using a wooden walking stick.

Detective Sergeant Michael Ogiliev, of GMP's Oldham district, said:

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"Michael went for a walk but can get confused.

"Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well. If anyone sees Michael or knows where he is, please contact police."

 

Anyone with information about Michael’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 - or 999 in an emergency - quoting log 2654 of 26 March 2022.

This week officers from GMPs City of Manchester division have executed warrants across the region as part of 'Operation Comanche', an undercover investigation into the supply of class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, which has been running since July 2021.

 

17 suspects in total have now been arrested since the investigation began, with eight people including seven men and one woman arrested in dawn raids this morning (30 March 2022), at addresses in Miles Platting, Droylsden and Beswick. 

The suspects have been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including possession with intent to supply class A drugs, money laundering, offering to supply drugs and possession of false ID.

During the raids, a large amount of designer clothing as well as drugs and cash were seized and will be used as evidence. Two large 'zombie' knives (pictured) were also found.  

Detective Sergeant Dan Pickavance, of GMPs North Manchester CID, said:

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"Op Comanche has involved a great deal of thorough work and long hours from a dedicated team of officers who have combined undercover tactics and months of close surveillance resulting in this great result from the raids this week.

"The dealers running these drug lines in North Manchester profit from some of the most vulnerable people in our society and quite frankly it is disgusting that they are living these luxurious lifestyles buying designer clothes, jewellery  and top of the range cars with money made from the misery of others.

"We are determined to make North Manchester a safer and nicer place to live and operations like this are crucial in achieving that goal.

"Drug dealers brazenly promoting their services around the Miles Platting area has become a serious issue and we have stepped up patrols in the area in response to this. It is completely unacceptable and something we will not tolerate. As always, we continue to ask for help from the public as receiving intelligence is crucial in helping us to continue making sure these people who blight our communities face the justice they deserve."

 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101, or use our online Live Chat service on the GMP website: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

A group who stole cars from across the region, dismantled them in a 'chop shop' and listed the parts online for over £125k have been jailed for over 12 years.

An investigation was launched in March 2020 as part of routine speculative searches that regularly take place across the region and stolen vehicle parts were found through close examination.

Online platforms such as eBay are often used to sell both complete vehicles and individual parts and criminals often set up fake accounts to do so.

As a result of an investigation carried out by GMP's Serious and Organised Crime group and GMP's Specialist Operations Vehicle Examination Unit, it was found that brothers Connor Maher, 29, of Silk Mill, Spinners Lane, Poynton and Kieran Maher, 31, of Ellesmere Avenue, Marple, worked with Craig Holt, 34, of Victoria Street Ashton-under-Lyne, Craig Gault, 41, of Pendle Road, Denton and Jody Allen, 40, of Brogan Avenue, Manchester to steal, dismantle and sell car parts online.

Following enquiries, detectives found that Connor Maher ran the eBay account where a number of vehicle parts were listed. Between December 2019 and April 2020, just over £97k worth of parts were listed without buyers. In the same period, just over £28k worth of parts were bought by members of the public - totalling to just over £125k.

Maher attempted to disguise the account by making it look like a professional, trustworthy business by changing the account name to c.parts in March 2020.

A chop shop was uncovered at Pioneer Mill at Milltown Street, Radcliffe, by officers on 29 April 2020 where 15 vehicles/parts, all from relatively brand new cars, were found.

Two signal jammers - used to prevent GPRS trackers emitting signals and block signal to their mobile phones - were also found and seized.

The majority of vehicles found in the chop shop were stolen in burglaries throughout 2020 across the region including one in Stockport in January where the vehicle - a BMW s330e Saloon - was just one month old at the time.

Another burglary was reported in Bury where a VW Polo GTI was first stolen in January but later found in Oldham on false plates with an extra 1,000 miles on the clock. It was then stolen for a second time in March and located in the chop shop.

Connor Maher was sentenced to five years and five months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and produce cannabis. Kieran Maher was sentenced to 36 months for the same offences. They were both sentenced yesterday (29 March) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Galt was jailed for two years and Holt was jailed for two years on 14 April 2021 at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. Jody Allen was given 15 months suspended for two years for handling stolen goods.

Detective Inspector Phil Kennedy, from GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Group, said:

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"These sentences are a result of an extensive investigation carried out by detectives in SOCG who meticulously pieced together the extent of their organised and illegal organisation. The group were stealing cars and dismantling them to make a profit and the chop shop we raided was clearly an organised set up, even fitted with a signal jammer to prevent us finding them.

"Cars are of both great value and sentimental value to some people and we understand that having a car stolen can have a huge impact both financially and emotionally.

"Burglaries across the region are constantly monitored and officers far and wide across the force are continuing to follow up a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible and return any items back to the rightful owners.

"Not only SOCG, but officers from other areas including the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) use both covert and marked cars, as well as ANPR technology, to catch suspected burglars and robbers and find any reported stolen cars.

"Stolen cars is a national issue and we continuously work with colleagues across the UK to tackle the issue. There's a number of investigations on-going and often it's found that one burglary is linked to a wider series which are carefully pieced together by officers over a period of time.

"We will continue to work to bring offenders to justice, but I would ask that residents help us to help them by following our simple advice - do not leave your car keys on show or where they can easily be reached when at home, always keep your windows and doors locked and for anyone who has a steering lock, I would encourage you to use it.

"There are also other ways to help keep your car safe such as investing in a tracking device.

"Anyone with information about car thefts or anyone who believes suspicious activity is taking place at premises' can call report it online at www.gmp.police.uk or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

Last year, GMP announced it would attend every report of burglary under Operation Castle, pledging to send an officer physically to every incident and ensure that all reasonable lines of enquiry are pursued. For more information on Operation Castle, visit: Operation Castle | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after shots were fired at an address in Rochdale on Sunday (27 March 2022).

Just after 5.50pm, officers were called to a report of shots fired at a house on Hill Top Drive.

Detectives immediately launched an investigation and believe at this time that two shots were fired at a window and a door.

Thankfully, no one was injured.

An investigation is on-going and detectives are now asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Richard Mills, from Rochdale CID, said:

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"This will no doubt have caused some concern in the community but I'd like to reassure those nearby that we immediately launched an investigation and we're doing all we can to piece together who was involved.

"We believe this to have been an isolated incident and we're already following up a number of lines of enquiry to piece the investigation together.

"Anyone who has any information or may have seen anything is asked to report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.

"Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

Shortly after 3.20pm Thursday (24 March 2022), officers were called to a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Kingsley Road, at the junction with Church Road.

Emergency services attended and despite their best efforts, sadly a 90-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The collision involved a Merecedes Benz truck and the woman who was crossing the road at the time.  The vehicle initially left but shortly afterwards returned to the scene.  A 31 yr old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care and attention and has since been released under investigation.

The road was closed for some time whilst enquiries were carried out by specialist officers.

PC Karl Horner, from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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"This was a tragic incident that has resulted in an elderly woman losing her life and our thoughts remain with her family are this difficult time.

"We immediately launched an investigation and the road was closed for some time while we carried out a detailed investigation to bring the woman's family and loved ones the answers they need.

"We're appealing for anyone who may have any information, may have seen anything or has any dashcam footage, to get in touch with us.

"Call 0161 856 4741 with information or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk."