A prolific burglary from Bolton has been jailed after four police forces worked to bring him to justice.

Alex Rigby was given seven years at Preston Crown Court after an extensive investigation.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) worked with teams in Lancashire, Merseyside and North Wales.

The 41-year-old was first arrested in April this year after being linked to a number of burglaries that month in Lancashire.

The police investigation revealed he had been involved in similar crimes in Manchester, Liverpool and the north of Wales.

Bolton’s Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team led the investigation for GMP.

Rigby, from Stonesteads Way, Bromley Cross, was arrested a month later after his blood was found inside the address at the home of one of his victims.

Rigby was shown to be responsible for seven burglaries in Greater Manchester between February and March 2023. 

He struck during the day once the victims had left.

Rigby smashed the rear glass doors and stole valuable and sentimental items.

Work with other police forces led to him being convicted of more than 40 offences.

The Bolton News: Alex RigbyAlex Rigby (Image: GMP)

PC Sam Burgess of Bolton's Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team  said: "This has been a detailed investigation that involved working in partnership between multiple police forces.

“The result shows a clear message that we take these offences seriously and are determined to tackle crime that impacts the communities of Bolton and Greater Manchester as well assisting our colleagues to achieve the same in Lancashire, Merseyside Police and North Wales.

“Please continue to report any incidents direct to police by calling 101 and always dial 999 in an emergency.”