Neil Wilby Media

In a significant breakthrough, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers have apprehended a wanted individual from Oldham, suspected of multiple offences related to fraud by false representation. The male had been at large, eluding authorities for an extended period.

The suspect, whose modus operandi primarily targeted elderly and vulnerable residents, engaged in doorstep fraud, exploiting their trust and scamming them out of money in exchange for promised home improvement work that was never completed. This unscrupulous activity left a trail of victims across the Oldham district, with an estimated total loss of approximately £5000.

Diligent efforts by GMP officers in the Oldham district, both overt and covert, culminated in the successful location and arrest of the suspect. The breakthrough occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 2nd September 2023, when the suspect was discovered concealed in a shed in Shaw.

The arrested individual, a 39-year-old male, is currently in police custody. Further investigations and enquiries are underway to ascertain the full extent of his involvement in these fraudulent activities.

Greater Manchester Police remains committed to safeguarding the community and ensuring that those who exploit vulnerable individuals face the consequences of their actions. As the investigation progresses, GMP will continue its efforts to bring justice to the victims and maintain the security and well-being of the public.

UPDATE: The suspect was charged on Sunday 3rd September, 2023 and will appear before magistrates later today (read more here).

Chief Superintendent Phil Hutchinson, GMP Oldham District Commander says:

“I would firstly like to extend my thoughts to those who have been affected by this man’s terrible and deceitful actions. We are doing everything we can to ensure those affected receive support and justice following these incidents.

Thanks to the public’s invaluable support, sharing the wanted appeal, and providing crucial intelligence, it has all played a pivotal role in this positive outcome. Furthermore, I want to praise our officers excellent work in collating the intelligence and locating this individual quickly before any further harm could have been done from his actions. The officers’ determination to protect our communities led to the successful arrest of this wanted and dangerous individual.”

Support and Advice from the Police

Every year, the British public loses billions of pounds to fraudsters. With scams ranging from the simplest confidence trick to the most sophisticated high-tech online fraud, it pays to keep up to date with the latest news and advice.

Find out more about fraud, its many types and how you can report it here.

If you would like to report any crime or information you can call 101 or report online using LiveChat or GMP’s reporting tool: www.gmp.police.uk

You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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Page last updated: Monday 4th September, 2023 at 09h15

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Picture credit: GMP

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