Cops trying to crack suspected multi-million pound burglary racket make further arrest

Police hunting criminals behind a suspected multi-million pound burglary racket have made a new arrest. The swoop in West Yorkshire followed six arrests in January – when £1.8m worth of steel plates were stolen from a business in Stockport.

A person has now been detained in Hollywell, Halifax. A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary; and two offences of handling stolen goods. He remains in police custody for questioning.

The search was part of an ongoing investigation by officers from the Stockport Neighbourhood Crime Team into a suspected organised group believed to be linked to huge commercial burglaries.

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Three dogs, suspected to be neglected, were seized from the property and handed over to the RSPCA. Several high value vehicles were taken away, including a Land Rover and Bobcat digger.

At 5.20am on January 8, police were alerted to a burglary at Cromer Street in Portwood. At the time, six males between 14 and 46 were arrested on suspicion of burglary. They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

An investigation was launched into the full circumstances.

Detective Constable Ian Wilkinson from Stockport NCT said: “The theft of industrial equipment and material is extremely expensive and disruptive to businesses, and we will continue to target anyone involved in this type of criminality.

“This operation is one of many we have across Stockport, dedicated to keeping our communities safe, and we will continue to work with our partners, the community, and neighbouring force to achieve justice.”