Men arrested in Johnson Fold in GMP's Operation Acquire

The police day of action, dubbed Operation Acquire, was launched to target “vehicle crime” all around Greater Manchester.

During a search in Johnson Fold, a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle offences and a 22-year-old man was arrested in connection with drug offences.

Superintendent Danny O’Neil, of GMP’s Bolton district and also force lead for vehicle crime, said: “Most of us know someone who has been a victim of vehicle theft, and we understand how disruptive and distressing this type of crime can be and conducting days of focussed activity highlight our commitment to address this in Greater Manchester.

“The Operation Acquire day of action on Thursday gave us more dedicated resources alongside partnership work which has successfully added to our ability to target those responsible for this crime, further highlighted by these arrests and action conducted throughout the day.

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green joined with police officers (Image: GMP)

“Although our commitment will continue to address vehicle theft in Greater Manchester, I would like to use this opportunity to remind the public to remain vigilant and ask yourself, are you doing all you can to deter criminals?”

In all, 32 people across Greater Manchester arrested with many others charged in relation to vehicle crimes. 

The day of actions included not only arresting people suspected of involvement in vehicle crime, but also involved police manning stalls to give out advice to the public.

In Oldham, police officers from the stolen vehicle examination unit were joined by Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor, Kate Green.

Together they searched through a scrapyard in Chadderton on the lookout for high value car parts from recent vehicle thefts in the area.

ALSO READ: Greater Manchester Police launches latest Operation Acquire action

ALSO READ: 'Neighbourhood crime' crackdown takes place in Bolton today

ALSO READ: Bolton police vow to fight vehicle crime in day of action

But officers have appealed for people to continue to be vigilant about vehicle crime in their areas.

Superintendent O’Neil said: “We need intelligence from you to actively target those responsible, so I would like to encourage anyone with concerns to please come forward and make a report, whether this is through ourselves, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.”

Anyone with any information or concerns can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.