Oldham's new policing team helps secure burglary arrest

Oldham’s new policing team, headed by Sergeant Graham Craven, has played a key role in the arrest of a suspect who was identified in connection with a burglary in the town centre.

Karl Priest (40), of no fixed abode, was later charged with two counts of shoplifting, one count of burglary, one count of assault and possession of a bladed article.  

He has been bailed and will next appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. 

The team was launched last month and now means an extra six officers will be available to police the streets of Oldham. 

This new pilot scheme includes student officers and allows them to learn the basics of investigating crime, dealing with files, interviewing prisoners and engaging with members of the public. 

Extra patrols will be in place across the districts of Greater Manchester during the Home Office’s ‘Winter of Action’ initiative – a targeted effort to tackle criminal activity such as drugs supply and anti-social behaviour. 

An engagement session to launch the team was held in Sainsbury’s supermarket, where members of the public were able to speak to the new officers and meet the team. 

Sgt Craven said: “The aim of this team is to get more officers out on the streets, investigating anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and retail crime, and being a visible presence. 

“Officers can get the foundations of basic policing early on in their careers, and they can then apply that knowledge to complex cases going forward.  

“De-escalating situations and conflict management are important tools for police officers to possess. 

“Expect to see officers out engaging with young people, breaking down barriers between the police and the public. 

“We rely on information from the public to aid our investigations. Anybody who has any information or concerns regarding ongoing crime within their community should contact GMP on 101 or via the reporting tools on our website, or by calling Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111. 

“Bee in the Loop is your direct line to your neighbourhood policing team. To receive free text or email alerts to keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community, sign up to Bee in the Loop.”