Good afternoon Heywood,

 PC O'Neill from your neighbourhood policing team here. Just a quick update regards to shoplifters and potential burglars in the town over the last month.

 Last month we saw a rise in the amount of vehicle crime/burglaries in Heywood, which is something that is always at the top of our priority list. The Rochdale division, which Heywood falls under, has a dedicated group of officers investigating burglaries on an almost constant basis. This is because we understand just how much of an impact burglaries have on peoples lives, and let's be honest it's what most officers join the job for (catching burglars). I've been lucky enough to catch a few in my time, and let me tell you, there is nothing sweeter.

 Unfortunately the spike we saw was much greater than we wanted. But due to dedicated officers investigating these offences, there were numerous arrests. These investigations are still ongoing which means we cannot disclose anything further at this stage, but let me tell you, we are continuously investigating them and we are making arrests as a result.

 During a plain clothes operation earlier last month,  neighbourhood officers came across a couple of known offenders in the town late at night. As a result, both were stopped, searched, arrested and charged with going equipped to steal. Securing a conviction at court is another matter, but I want to make you aware that officers are out, proactively policing and disrupting criminals. Again, this case is still ongoing therefore further details cannot be disclosed.

 Also, last week whilst out on patrol I stopped by Times Retail Park to see if kids were causing bother at Morrisons. Whilst there, security informed me they had just thrown out a known shoplifter. I witnessed this shoplifter walk into B&M. I followed the shoplifter into B&M to make the security staff aware. On entering the store, the known shoplifter had disappeared! I had a quick search of the store but was unable to find them. As if by chance, the security alarms at the front door began to sound and I saw the shoplifter leave the store. When asked the stop, the shoplifter made off on foot. After a very brief foot chase over Bamford Road, they were arrested and searched. They were found with 2x large bottles of Jack Daniels, a can of Pepsi and 6 bags of washing powder, coming to a grand total of £107.

 Prior to the above arrest, we also arrested numerous shoplifters for similar offences. These individuals are due in court in due course.

 The shoplifter was taken to custody, statements and CCTV were obtained and the offender was later interviewed. They were charged with theft and remanded to court the following morning where they pled guilty.

 As a result, they received a 2 week prison sentence (they had only been out of prison for theft for around a week at the time of the offence), a 12 month supervision period, and rehabilitation activity.

Last but not least, a few last tips regarding the burglaries…

The main point here is call us if you see something suspicious! Most people out at 4am are only up to one thing.

Take care,

PC 16479 O'Neill.