A man and a teenage girl were arrested during a dawn raid today as part of an investigation into vehicle thefts.

The pair, a 22-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl, were taken into custody after police stormed a home in Farnworth at around 7am (Wednesday November 29).

The officers found tools they suspected to have been used to steal vehicles along with clothing, mobile phones, nitrous oxide and several vehicle registration plates when searching the home.

Detective Sergeant Carla Deighton said: “A lot of the work GMP does to tackle the issue may not be visible but catching those responsible remains a force priority.

“Cars are of both great value and sentimental value to those in our communities and we understand that having a car stolen can have a huge impact both financially and emotionally.”

The Bolton News: A pair of bolt cutters were foundA pair of bolt cutters were found (Image: GMP)

The raids were carried out as part of Operation Acquire, which focuses on neighbourhood crime.

DS Deighton, of Bolton’s Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team, says that this also comes after a long running investigation into a series of vehicle thefts across Bolton between April 2022 and October 2023.

The Bolton News: A pair of trainers police believe may have been used in vehicle theftsA pair of trainers police believe may have been used in vehicle thefts (Image: GMP)

The man and teenage girl have now been arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicles, handling stolen goods, conspiracy to commit theft, and possession of class C drugs.

DS Deighton said: “We will continue to work to bring offenders to justice, but I would ask that the public to help us to help you by following our crime prevention advice.

“Make sure your car keys are not on show or where they can easily be reached when at home.

“Always keep your windows and doors locked, even if you are leaving your home for five minutes.

“If you have a steering lock, use it, they are a really good visual deterrent.

“There are also other ways to help keep your vehicle safe such as investing in a tracking device.”

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DS Deighton and her colleagues have appealed for any members of the public who may know anything to come forward.

Anyone with any information or concerns about vehicle thefts or other kinds of crime in their communities can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.