Joint work of four police forces brings prolific burglar in Greater Manchester to justice
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Four police forces have collaborated and brought a prolific burglar from Stonesteads Way, Bolton, to justice after an extensive investigation.
Alex Rigby, 41, received a seven-year prison sentence and a three-year and six-month driving disqualification due to his involvement in a series of connected burglaries. He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Friday, October 13.
Rigby was arrested in mid-April this year for his involvement in several burglaries and driving offences in Lancashire.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Lancashire Constabulary, Merseyside Police, and North Wales Police jointly contributed to apprehending Rigby. Bolton’s Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team spearheaded the investigation.
Upon investigation, he was found to be involved in similar crimes in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and North Wales. He was convicted of more than 40 offences in total.
Daytime incidents
According to the GMP report, Rigby selected his victims’ residences during daytime hours once he was sure they had left. He broke into the homes by breaking the rear glass door and taking valuable and sentimental belongings.
“This has been a detailed investigation that involved working in partnership between multiple police forces,” said Police Constable Sam Burgess of Bolton’s Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team.
“The result shows a clear message that we take these offences seriously and are determined to tackle crime that impacts the communities of Bolton and Greater Manchester as well as assisting our colleagues to achieve the same in Lancashire, Merseyside Police and North Wales.”
Another similar case
A case similar to Rigby’s happened just two weeks ago, where a man “wanted by four police forces” was apprehended in Bury following a string of burglaries.
The 37-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested after extensive investigations by specialised units within Greater Manchester Police. GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit caught him when he ‘tried to flee’.
GMP was investigating a series of commercial burglaries in northern Manchester, with reports of related offences in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire, including multiple burglaries in Blackley and Crumpsall. These incidents were reported to different police forces.
The suspect allegedly committed these offences in May and September 2023. No further information about the case is available.
Tips from GMP
The GMP encouraged citizens to continue reporting incidents or crimes to the police by calling 101. In case of emergency, you can dial 999.
The force also shared a list of recommendations to keep your home safe from burglary, damage, doorstep theft, fly-tipping, and squatters.
Investing in door and window locks, such as those with modern multi-locking, is encouraged. Modern multi-locking and uPVC doors use a mechanism of hooks and latches that are effective only if you follow the “lift, lock, and remove” procedure – lift the handle, lock it, and then remove the key. It is more complicated than traditional locks.
You can check if your door is secure by contacting a locksmith affiliated with the Master Locksmiths Association. They’ll inspect your door, verify its construction with solid timber or durable composite material, reinforce the frame, and verify whether the locks and hinges are British Standard-approved.
Consider installing laminated glass or security film for windows accessible from the ground floor. Sash stops can also effectively deter attempts to open the sash window wide enough for entry.
When replacing your windows, prioritise security-accredited products, as they meet British standards and are approved by insurance companies. A recommended benchmark is PAS 24 2022.
Apart from locks, invest in other security tools like CCTV cameras, automated outdoor lights, intruder alarms, and other home security systems. You can also hire help from security agencies like Marengo to find the right security solution for your home.
Sources:
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23859286.prolific-burglar-jailed-four-police-forces-team/
https://www.gmp.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/
