Officers urge public to be cautious following increase of family gold burglaries

Police are reminding people to stay vigilant following an increase in recent family gold burglaries in Oldham and Greater Manchester.

Break-ins have occurred at properties in Oldham, Rochdale and Bury in recent weeks and as the darker nights draw in, burglary offences are likely to increase.

The main method of entry has included lock snap tampering and smash entry, alongside insecure entry to properties. 

Entry is typically gained at the rear of a property, with an offending vehicle believed to be parked on surrounding streets of the location. 

Offences have increased over weekend periods and occurred predominantly during the late afternoon and nighttime periods. 

Latest data shows Greater Manchester Police as the country’s top force for solving residential burglaries in the last 12 months. 

The force's solved outcomes for residential burglaries for the year-to-date sits at 14.3 per cent. In the previous year this was 9.5 per cent. 

In August 2026 alone, the proportion of residential burglary crime outcomes that were solved was 15.9 per cent, compared to 9.8 per cent in August 2025. 

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Smethurst, of the Serious Crime Division, said: “I would like to remind the public to stay vigilant as the darker nights draw in and ensure their property is secure. 

“Anyone with expensive jewellery in their homes should ensure it is safely locked away, out of sight, purchasing a good quality safe which complies with insurance rating standards. 

“Crime reduction advice is accessible via the GMP website Crime prevention advice | Greater Manchester Police 

“You can report any suspicious activity or information of note to us and we will investigate. Information can be shared by calling 101 or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”