Hundreds of phones seized in stolen goods operation
OVER 400 mobile phones were seized when police locked down Preston market as part of an operation to tackle burglary and theft.
A warrant was executed under the Theft Act at Walk and Talk Communications at around 9am this morning (Tuesday 10 May).
Police cordons were put on the main routes leading out of the market and around 25 officers blitzed the market stalls looking for stolen goods. Trading standards officers were also in attendance looking for counterfeit items.
Insp Nick Emmett said: “The vast majority of market traders are legitimate but our intelligence suggests that there are a small minority who are involved in the handling of stolen goods.
“This activity was about working with the legitimate traders to crackdown on those who flout the law. Most stall holders were very supportive of our activity and I would urge them to give us details of anyone they suspect to be involved in with stolen property.
“The message is simple – if you commit burglary or sell on stolen goods, we will find you and arrest you.”
Officers used a SmartWater torch to look for the invisible anti-theft marking, which glows brightly under ultra violet light and can help to identify stolen items.
A bicycle and gardening equipment, which are suspected to be stolen, were also seized as part of the action.
No arrests were made but inquiries continue to be made into the seized goods.
Leaflets were handed to over 50 traders to explain what the action was about.
The action comes as part of Operation Mantis which will see police undertake a range of activity such as targeting suspected offenders as well as working in partnership with scrap metal yards and second-hand shops.
Yesterday (Monday 9 May) raids were carried out at properties on Rose Lane in Deepdale and Barry Avenue in Ingol. Four people were arrested and have since been released on police bail, pending further inquiries. A haul of suspected stolen property including laptops, televisions and fishing equipment was seized.
If anyone has any information they should contact the police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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