Middleton in General Crime News

Men jailed for firearms offences

Two men have been jailed for firearms offences after police interrupted a pre-arranged gathering in Middleton and found two guns. John Haining, 22, of Eastern By Pass, Openshaw, was jailed for three years four months. Douglas Ward, also 22, of Darlington, County Durham, was jailed for five years four months Both men pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm at an earlier hearing.

On Wednesday 1 June 2011, police were alerted to the potential that disorder was due to take place in the Manchester area and at 1.30pm officers went to Bowness Road, after reports a large group of men had gathered. Armed officers stopped 60 men and 11 of them, including Haining and Ward, were arrested. A loaded sawn off shotgun was found on the back seat of a Vauxhall Vectra and was in a bag with some ammunition and a loaded 9mm handgun and ammunition was found underneath another a Range Rover.

CCTV later revealed that before police arrived Haining and Ward had been acting suspiciously in a compound - they walked over to a remote corner, Ward rummaged in a pile of debris, pulled out something and handed it to Haining. Haining tucked the item in his trousers and walked over to a Vauxhall Vectra. He took the item out of his trousers and put it on the back seat of the car.

John Haining Haining and Ward can be seen on the footage walking towards a Range Rover and, at the point police move onto the compound, Ward is shown throwing something under the car. The men tried to mingle with the crowd but were arrested and identified as the men moving the guns around from the CCTV. When both men were searched by officers, they were found to be wearing body armour.

Detective Inspector Chris Wood, based at Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team, said: "Firearms and connected organised crime create fear and misery in our communities and intimidate entirely innocent people: so we are delighted that we interrupted this gathering, took these deadly weapons off the streets and those involved have faced justice. Greater Manchester Police has reduced firearms discharges by around 90 per cent since 2006 and it is with the support and help of the community that we have achieved this. However, this success does not make us complacent - we will continue to act on all credible intelligence, take weapons off the streets and put those responsible for their use before the courts."
21.10.11

Medication lost

Police are urging the public to hand in medication after it was reported lost at 11.55pm on Friday 2 September. A quantity of tablets, labelled Sitralapram, Pro-promalol, Sertraline and Trifluoperazine were lost on a bus travelling from Rochdale town centre to the Langley Estate between 2pm and 3pm the same Friday.

The medication is a type of anti depressant and can be harmful if taken in large doses. Anyone who finds these tablets or who may have picked them up is advised to hand them into their nearest police station. Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale Police on 0161 872 5050.
05.09.11

Elderly man robbed of chain

An elderly man had his gold chain stolen in Middleton. A 71-year-old man was near to Aldi on Wood Street at about 11am on Friday 19 August, when two women, who were possibly Romanian, approached him. They asked for directions to the hospital before placing a cheap chain around his neck. While they were doing this they removed a gold one that he was wearing. The women also tried to put cheap rings on his fingers in an attempt to take his ring.

One woman was described s being in her early 20s, of slim build, with straight dark hair and wearing a bright patterned dress to her knees and hooped earrings. The other is described as white but with a tanned complexion, in her late 20s, of slim build.

Later that day in Heywood, at about 2.15pm, a 79-year-old woman had her necklace stolen after a woman placed a chain around her neck. This happened outside Morrisons. The woman is described as being Romanian, between 25 and 30 years old with short dark hair. It is thought the women could be using a white people carrier with a foreign registration plate to drive around the area.

Police Constable Sarah Langley, of the Middleton Neighbourhood Investigation Unit, said: "It appears the group are targeting vulnerable and elderly members of our community. They distract their victims and work quickly to steal their jewellery. When the victim realises what has happened it is too late. I want local residents to be mindful of these incidents and if you know anything about those responsible please call police."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8787 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
31.08.11

Man wanted on recall to prison

Police are appealing for the public's help to locate a man wanted on recall to prison. Leon Rathmill, 27, was jailed for five years for robbery in 2007.

Since his release he has breached the terms of his licence conditions by failing to keep in touch with his supervising officer. He has links to the Middleton and Heywood areas.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police Wanted Desk at Rochdale on 0161 856 8494, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
28.06.11

Man attacked at pub urinals

Officers investigating an attack in a pub toilet in Middleton are appealing for a potential witness to come forward. At 7.30pm on Sunday 1 May, a 37-year-old man was using the toilet at the Britannia pub in Middleton Gardens. Another man walked into the toilets and hit him in the face, which made him fall to the floor. The attacker then left.

While the attack was taking place another man walked into the toilets and officers are keen to trace this man. A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until the 29 June 2011 pending further inquiries.

Detective Constable Janice Cruttwell, based at Rochdale CID, said: "I am keen to stress that the man who walked into the toilets is not in trouble in any way, we know that he went in there at the time of the attack incidentally. He might've seen something that could be relevant to our investigation so we really want to speak to him. If that was you or you know who it was, please contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call officers in Rochdale on 0161 856 8437 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
27.05.11

Two shotguns stolen during burglary

Two shotguns have been stolen during a burglary. On Monday 16 May, between 7pm and 9.30pm, a home on St Gabriel's Mews was burgled. Offenders forced their way into a ground floor door before they used a crow bar to prize a metal gun cabinet from the wall. Other valuables were stolen including a mountain bike, games console and laptop.

One gun is described as having a walnut coloured butt, a white diamond effect on parts of the weapon, black barrels with a silver colour near to where the gun is loaded. The second weapon is described as having a mahogany coloured butt, black barrels and a silver colour where the gun is loaded. No ammunition was stolen.

Detective Sergeant Graham Hook from Rochdale CID said: "I would urge anyone who may have seen or been offered these guns to contact us as soon as possible. There is nothing to suggest that these shotguns have been taken with a view to be fired but clearly we need to find these weapons and return them to their owner."

Anyone with information should phone 0161 856 4644 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
18.05.11

Robbers demand drugs from couple

A woman and her boyfriend were threatened at knifepoint by would-be robbers. At 10.30pm on Wednesday 11 May, two men broke into the home of a 27-year-old woman on Alston Walk. The men threatened the woman and her 30-year-old boyfriend and demanded drugs. One of the men pulled out a large knife, grabbed the victim's boyfriend by the head and put a bag across his face. The men ransacked the ground floor of the house but left empty-handed. The woman and her boyfriend were not injured in the incident.

One of the men was described as a black man, 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build with brown eyes. He was wearing black clothes and thick padded black gloves. The second was described as a white man, about 5ft 8in tall, had mousey brown hair and was of skinny build. He was clean shaven, had a pale complexion, looked unkempt and scruffy. He was wearing a navy blue hooded jacket and navy blue cap.

Detective Constable Chris Whalley, based at Rochdale CID, said: "We are working hard to find the people responsible for this as it is imperative that anyone prepared to carry a knife and use it in such a threatening way is caught. If you saw something or know anything about this incident that might help our inquiries, please contact me."

Anyone with information is asked to call officers in Rochdale on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
18.05.11

Man exposes himself to schoolgirl

Scowcroft near the Hereford Way estate A man has indecently exposed himself to a schoolgirl in Middleton. At around 2.40pm on Friday 6 May, the 14-year-old girl was walking home from school near Scowcroft Woods, Boarshaw, when she saw a naked man sat on a footbridge. He exposed himself before she ran home.

At around 5pm, the girl returned to the woods where she saw the man again, putting his clothes on. He is described as being in his 40s, of slim build and had light brown short hair. He wore a zip-up cardigan, brown shorts and brown sandals.

Police Constable Rob Smith from Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "I would urge anyone who may have seen this man in the area around this time to contact police. My advice is to avoid secluded areas if you are walking on your own or ensure you are part of a group and be aware of your surroundings at all times."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8726 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
15.05.11

Magnet to attract metal thieves

Metal theft A new crackdown has been launched across Rochdale Borough to prevent criminals from stealing copper piping, lead flashing and other sources of metal. As part of Operation Magnet, police have been running regular checks at premises dealing in scrap and salvaged metal to ensure they are keeping proper records of all transactions, including the vehicle registrations of those wanting to sell metal. Officers are also checking vehicles at key times during the day along routes where stolen metal is believed to be transported, and are actively encouraging legitimate scrap metal dealers to be on the lookout for thieves.

Superintendent John Graves of Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale Division said: "There is a great deal the scrap metal industry can do to deter criminals. As with any business that operates within a community, they have both a moral and a legal obligation to local people, and I'm looking to these businesses to be resilient and supportive. Many of the crimes occur in vacant properties, where piping and boilers are often stolen, leaving a great deal of damage and disruption. Landlords and property developers are being urged to improve security at premises under their control, and to think seriously about simple crime prevention measures."

Superintendent Graves added: "We need the support and vigilance of the public to help us tackle this problem effectively. We need the public to be alert - for example, if you are offered a cheap boiler in dubious circumstances there is a good chance it could be stolen. Likewise, if anyone asks you to take them to a scrap dealer, be wary as they could be selling stolen property, and it will be your car details that are recorded. I would ask people to report anything like this to us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8551 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
04.05.11

Attempted bank robbery

At around 4.40pm on Tuesday 29 March, two men pulled up in a stolen black Ford Fiesta at Barclays on Long Street and threw a grid cover through the glass doors of the bank, smashing them. Both walked inside and one of them was carrying a machete. They held the machete up to a witnesses throat, before staff set off the security system.

The men escaped empty handed and drove off. The car was later found abandoned on Alkrington Park Road. A 21-year-old man and 23-year old man have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Jason Burke from Rochdale CID said: "I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen something suspicious before the attempted robbery, whether that was the vehicle driving to the bank, the incident taking place or the vehicle being abandoned."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8551 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
05.04.11

Woman has car stolen during a robbery

A woman has had her car stolen during a robbery in Middleton. At around 5:25pm on Monday 14 March, a 38-year-old woman was parked outside St Mary's RC Junior School on Wood Street. A man dressed in a grey tracksuit top wearing a black balaclava approached the woman as she sat in the car, opened the driver door and dragged her out of the vehicle. The robber then got into the silver Audi A3 and drove off down Wood Street towards the town centre.

The man is described as white, in his early 20s and is of a slim build. He is approximately six feet tall and has a Manchester accent. Detective Constable Nick Price from Middleton CID said: "A team of detectives are investigating this crime and we are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and seen this man to contact us. Similarly, if you saw this car as it was being driven away from Wood Street then please get in touch. Your information could be vital to our investigation and help us to put this man behind bars."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 1977 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
15.03.11

Former scout leader jailed for sexual abuse

A former scout leader who abused a number of young children in his care has been jailed. David Ferron's abuse of nine young boys aged between nine and 14-years-old spanned more than 10 years, but now he is starting a 10-year jail sentence.

Ferron, 61, of Mills Hill Road, pleaded guilty to 33 counts of various sexual offences including attempted buggery, indecent assault, gross indecency and possession of indecent images at an earlier hearing. On 11 February 2011, he was jailed for 10 years at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, must sign the Sex Offender's Register for life and has been given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that means he cannot work unsupervised with anyone under the age of 16 when he is released.

Between 1987 and 2001, Ferron was the leader of the 5th Middleton Scout Group, based out of a large scout hut on Durnford Street, Middleton. Although affiliated to the traditional scouting movement, Ferron later changed its status to a quasi-military youth group known as the Phoenix Rangers. All the children who attended, all young boys, wore military uniforms that Ferron supplied. As the only leader, Ferron was so invested in the group that he moved into the hut and took it as his home. He organised sleepovers and camping trips, during which the sexual abuse of the boys took place.

In 2001, the Rangers were disbanded when Ferron was convicted and jailed for a year for possessing indecent images of children. At that point, none of the members of the group disclosed to police they had been abused. However, in 2009 two men came forward and told officers what had happened. Ferron was arrested and his computer was seized. Forensic analysis by the High-Tech Crime Unit revealed a number of indecent images of children and the Rochdale Police Child Protection Unit relaunched an investigation to speak to past members of the group. During this investigation, a further seven men disclosed they had been abused as a child by Ferron.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Branney said: "As a scout leader, the parents of these young boys put their trust in Ferron and had no reason to believe he would not look after them. However, he took that trust and abused it in the worst way imaginable. He used his position as scout leader to get close to these young boys and then abused them.

"I cannot praise enough the men who have grown up knowing what Ferron did when they were young boys for the courage they have shown in coming forward and reliving what they went through. It shows tremendous bravery and because of that, we built up such a good case against Ferron that he had no choice but to admit his guilt. He now has a long time behind bars to think about the damage he has done.

"I also hope this case illustrates that Greater Manchester Police takes all reports of sexual abuse, whether they happened the day before or decades earlier, very seriously and we will do everything we can to see that the offender is brought to justice. No matter how much time elapses, such awful crimes can never be forgotten so please, if you have been a victim of abuse, call us and we will help you."

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
11.02.11

Teenager sexually assaulted

The offender A teenager was sexually assaulted in Middleton. It happened on the corner of Sunny Brow Road and Harold Street at about 3.50pm on 5 November. The 15-year-old girl was followed by a man as she walked away from the Middleton Arndale Centre and then sexually assaulted. Her attacker then ran off.

The man is described as white, about 6ft tall, in his mid to late 20s and had stubble around his mouth and chin. He was said to be of a skinny build and wearing a grey hooded top. Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the assault. Anyone who has information about the attack is asked to call police.

Police Constable Chris Hickey said: "Clearly an incident like this can cause people in the area to feel concerned. I want to stress that this is being treated as an isolated incident and I do not want anyone to be alarmed, but it is right that we should alert the community so they can take steps to keep themselves safe. I specifically want to appeal to anyone who either recognises the man in the CCTV or who has any information about what happened to call us. I'd like to appeal to anybody who was out in that area, especially people who walk their dogs, cycle or jog. You may have seen someone acting suspiciously. If you saw anything at all, please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Shopkeeper chases armed robbers

First described offender A shopkeeper grabbed a bat and chased two armed men trying to rob his store. Between 2pm and 2.30pm on Monday 8 November, the victim was working in his shop on Manchester Old Road. Two men walked into the shop and one asked if the victim sold gloves. The victim replied that they did not and the other man then asked what time the shop closed before leaving.

At 5.30pm the men came back to the shop with scarves across their faces. One held a 14inch knife towards the victim's face and demanded money. Both men then walked around the counter to where the victim was so he picked up a rounders bat and used it to hit the knife. The men then ran out of the shop so the victim chased them down Boothroyden Road but he lost sight of them.

One man was described as white, 5ft 7ins tall of slim to medium build and spoke with a Manchester accent. The second man was described as 5ft 7ins tall, of mixed race and was slim to medium build.

Second described offender Detective Constable Ben Harris of Rochdale CID said: "This is the second time this year the victim has been targeted and he clearly took very brave action to prevent these men stealing anything. We would always advise people to not to put themselves in any danger in situations like this and to call the police for help, but I can understand why the victim wanted to protect himself. If anyone has any information about the robbery or recognises the men in the CCTV images, please don't hesitate to call."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
18.11.10

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