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'Burglars: We're on your backs 24-hours-a-day'

Adam Derbyshire
4/ 6/2008

POLICE have compiled a hit list of the top 50 burglars in Tameside — and will be knocking on their doors day and night over summer.

Officers are hand delivering letters to each suspect warning them they will be watched round-the clock in the coming months.

The high-profile campaign — codenamed Operation 24/7 — is designed to send out a clear message to criminals pinpointed as potential crooks.

Sergeant Andy Riley, of Ashton police, said: "We’ll be regularly turning up on their doorsteps at any time armed with search warrants.

"They have caused misery to other people so now we’re making life uncomfortable for them.

"Anyone who is living beyond their means can expect a visit 24-hours-a-day.

"We’ll prosecute them for absolute anything, even for something trivial like no TV licence or tax on their car.

"Enough is enough. We are warning burglars to stay out of Tameside. The message is loud and clear: we’re watching you."

And it seems the strong-arm tactics are already having a sobering effect.

Sgt Riley added: "The operation has begun. I’ve already seen a few terrified faces answer the door. Reality dawns that they are on our radar and we do mean business.

"We do have a problem with criminals from east Manchester crossing the border to commit crime in Tameside.

"The operation will target those too.

"Those with a drug habit to feed will be encouraged to seek help from the drug intervention project, based in Bentinck Street, Ashton."

Mobile police stations will be set up in burglary hotspots while dozens more uniformed bobbies will pound the beat.

Sgt Riley said: "Burglary figures are down in Tameside but we can always do more."