This morning (Thursday 9 July) more than 100 officers from GMP and Cheshire Police executed nine warrants at homes across South Manchester and Cheshire.

Officers recovered suspected stolen jewellery and watches, four vehicles suspected to be used in criminal activity and equipment used in burglaries from the addresses.

Our Didsbury and Stockport Divisions launched an investigation into a series of high-value car and key residential burglaries between April and June 2026. Colleagues from Cheshire Police also led a similar investigation into the same offences across Wilmslow, Handforth and Knutsford between May and June.

We combined investigations after identifying that the organised crime group was operating collectively across both forces.

Offences took place across the eastern area of Cheshire and in Wythenshawe, Stockport and Trafford.

PC Woodall, of our Didsbury Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “Today’s joint operation has resulted in 10 men arrested and in our custody for their roles in an organised crime group.

“It is believed the offenders entered properties via different methods, including open windows or doors, snapping locked rear doors and ripping keys and alarm boxes off the wall.

“High-value vehicles, jewellery, watches and handbags were taken. One of the vehicles stolen was pursued by our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Team at the end of June following the report it had just been stolen in Wilmslow and believed to be heading towards Wythenshawe.

“The car drove at speeds over 100mph, leaving a pedestrian with life-changing injuries. Charges have since been secured against the male driver.

“We are committed to doing all we can to tackle this type of criminality. Crime prevention advice can be found on our website – Keep burglars out of your property | Greater Manchester Police

“These warrants are part of our ongoing efforts to protect local people. We appreciate the community’s support and cooperation as we carry out operations like these.

“Results such as these are not possible without the information and intelligence we receive from the public. If you have information about burglary in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

“You can do this by contacting us on 101 or via the ‘Live Chat’ function on our website. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

July marks five years since we launched Operation Castle – our commitment to tackling neighbourhood crime and keeping victims safe.

Five years ago, we pledged to send an officer to every reported domestic burglary, while utilising dedicated neighbourhood crime teams and forensic investigators to gather evidence.

We were recording around 1,500 residential burglaries per calendar month before Operation Castle launched. We have since seen a consistent downward trend to around 650 per month by June 2026.