Dawn raids saw five people arrested as part of a crackdown on an organised crime group operating across several areas in England.
This morning (Thursday 16 May 2019) a team of officers executed warrants across seven addresses in Oldham.
The warrants were executed as part of Operation Hansford – set up by GMP officers to target an organised crime group believed to be involved in crimes committed across England, spanning several force areas- including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lancashire.
As part of Operation Hansford detectives have investigated 120 offences including aggravated burglary, robbery, car theft, assault, violent disorder and criminal damage – all believed to be orchestrated by the same organised crime group.
Five men – aged, 22, 28, 28, 30 and 38 – have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary.
They all remain in custody for questioning.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, GMP’s Territorial Commander with responsibility for Oldham said: “Today we have five people in custody and that is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here in Oldham, who have worked tirelessly in order to disrupt this organised crime group.
“Today’s action has been supported from officers across GMP; however I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues from West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lancashire – all of whom have supported this investigation from the very outset.
“The importance of our investigation and the severity of the crimes committed should not be underestimated. Organised criminal activity destroys people’s livelihoods and blights communities. I hope that today’s action demonstrates to those who have been affected by such criminality just how dedicated we are in bringing those responsible to justice, as well as our absolute commitment to making the streets of Greater Manchester a safer place.
“I would also like to emphasise that Operation Hansford remains very much ongoing.”
