Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) identified a cloned vehicle using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) yesterday (Monday 1 April 2024).

At around 11:30am, GMP’s specialised unit were alerted to a cloned vehicle that activated ANPR cameras. After being covertly followed on a busy stretch of road, the offender continued to drive at high speeds failing to stop.

With the assistance of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter the grey Ford Fiesta was then tracked through Middleton in Rochdale.

Pursuing the vehicle on residential streets, it later crashed into a pedestrian island on Hollins Lane. With officers in the immediate area supported by district colleagues and the wider Specialist Operations branch all three were detained close by on suspicion of burglary.

A subsequent search of the vehicle recovered a baseball bat and hammer, as well as wiring which is believed to be linked to starting motorbikes.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal and possession of an offensive weapon. He has since been bailed.

With a 19-year-old man also being bailed on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug and an offensive weapon, along with a 17-year-old girl who has been bailed for possessing an offensive weapon.

PC Oliver Rose of GMP’s TVIU said; "Our co-ordinated, quick, and tactical response meant we have secured another good result.

"Thankfully, their actions, especially the drivers in broad daylight didn’t result in any serious injuries to members of the public, but our ongoing commitment and determination to catch potential offenders in the act is a priority.

"With the resources available to us were able to track and trace a vehicle safely that we believe has been linked to a previous burglary."

Anyone with information that may help with ongoing enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1148 of 01/02/2024. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.