A special team of police officers has been assigned to catch a serial burglar targeting the elderly in Greater Manchester.
GMP believe the same person is behind incidents in the Radcliffe, Whitefield and Bury areas in which a thief pretends to be a delivery driver before forcing his way into properties.
12 burglaries have occurred since January at the premises of vulnerable people.
According to police, the suspect knocks on doors and asks about a parcel, before abruptly entering and taking valuable items.
One 89-year-old woman was apparently knocked to the ground in the latest burglary, which took place on Sunday evening (March 21).
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The suspect is described as a slim, white male in his twenties, standing at 5.6ft – 6ft tall.
Chief Inspector Mike Brennan of GMP’s Bury Division told the MEN that the burglar was targeting elderly and vulnerable people.
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The CI stated: “[The suspect] might have knowledge around when carers attend.
“I think people are a lot more trusting here, and he’s utilising that to gain entry.”
Police are advising residents to use peep holes before opening their doors, with carers/visitors urged to ring ahead before arriving.
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The total number of linked burglaries reported across Bury so far are:
25/01: Westminster Avenue, Whitefield
01/02: Halvard Court, Bury
14/02: Sefton Street, Whitefield
20/02: Halvard Court, Bury (different to 01/02)
24/02: Smyrna Walk, Radcliffe
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24/02: Elms Close, Whitefield (an hour later)
26/02: Walmsersley Road, Bury
28/02: Ostrich Lane, Prestwich
04/03: Lowercroft Road, Bury
09/03: Brierley Avenue, Whitefield138254603774
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13/03: Shakespeare Avenue, Radcliffe
21/03: Unsworth Street, Radcliffe
Anyone with any information is urged to contact GMP by using the non-emergency number 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: Westminster Avenue in Whitefield – one of the streets on which a burglary occurred.
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
24th March 2021 
