Burglary operation “Converts” evidence into arrests
03 Nov 2009
A targeted Urban-wide anti-burglary operation has led to 37 arrests and 83 charges.
“Operation Converter ", which aimed to convert forensic evidence into arrests and charges right across the four Urban Districts, has just concluded.
The operation, which ran from Monday 26th October to Sunday 1st November, resulted in:
- 37 people arrested with burglary and related offences
- 83 charges brought against suspected offenders (some individuals have been charged with multiple offences)
The 83 charges included:
- 30 charges for burglary
- 53 charges for associated offences, including car crime.
- A number of reports were also been made to the PPS.
A significant quantity of suspected stolen jewellery was also recovered during a house search. Detectives are currently working on linking the recovered items to a number of daytime burglaries across the greater Belfast area.
”Operation Converter” was the result of a co-ordinated approach between Crime Managers of the four Urban Districts (North and West Belfast; South and East Belfast; North Down, Castlereagh, Ards and Down; Antrim, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and Lisburn).
The officer in charge of the operation, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson, said the operation had been very successful in converting evidence into numerous arrests and charges.
“Forensic evidence is continually being examined and processed on a daily basis right across all districts. However, “Operation Converter” helped co-ordinate all of that activity in a very focussed way across the Belfast and Greater Belfast area. It was about targeting those criminals that are targeting the community,” he said.
DCI Wilson added: “We know that burglary is a big concern for members of the public. People’s homes are violated and the distress caused can live on long after the stolen property is replaced.
“This operation was about sending out a very clear that message if you commit a burglary you will be robustly pursued.
“Detectives will continue to carry out very thorough investigations, and are firmly committed to converting all evidence into arrests and charges, ensuring that those that are wreaking misery on others are brought before the courts.”
