A new team set up in Bolton to tackle burglary has seen some 'really positive results'.

The Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team consists of one detective inspector, two sergeants and 12 constables.

It was launched in May this year and in this time there have been 276 arrests and 160 charges for burglary, robbery and vehicle crimes.

Police state that in the month of September 85 offences of burglary were reported ,which was a dramatic call from April of the same year.

Officers have long identified the Bolton as a hotspot for this type of offending.

Last year Chief Insp Martin Ashurst launched Operation Castle in an attempt to make people feel safer in their own home.

The Bolton News:

He also made a specific appeal for people who had been the victim of this crime to come forward if they felt police had not dealt with their case adequately.

Police said then a number of suspects were arrested in the first week and this had brought the crime rate down.

The latest figures showing improvements in burglary come as Greater Manchester Police was taken out of special measures last week.

The force was said to be failing in  December 2020 after  80,000 crimes were not investigated.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rollinson, of Crime lead for Bolton, said the area had been one of the “poorest performers” in this area.

He said:  “We recognise that burglary is a crime that is intrusive and invasive to those who have been a victim, we are committed to ensuring that the public feel safe in their own communities.

“Bolton has historically been one of the poorest performers when it comes to burglary. As a result we implemented a dedicated Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team in May this year, following which, we have seen some really positive results. The team consists of 1 detective inspector, 2 sergeants and 12 constables. Since May, they have made 276 arrests and 160 charges for burglary, robbery and vehicle crime. 

“Burglary reports are decreasing due to our proactive approach to prevent crimes, as in Bolton in April 2022, 202 offences were reported, compared to September 2022 with 85 offences reported. This shows that our strategy to proactively prevent burglary is working in our community. We actively distribute advice to members of the public in ways of protecting themselves and their belongings from criminals.”

“Every person deserves to feel safe in their home and as a team, we will thoroughly asses each and every burglary and investigate to bring offenders that threaten the safety of our community to justice and bring some level of comfort for victims.”