Local businesses are re-thinking perimeter security after police recovered over 40 suspected stolen vehicles and plant machines from a Littleborough address.
Recent local crime data reveals a troubling rise in thefts, vandalism, and unauthorised access, putting both property and staff at risk.
Could your business be next? Professional manned security guarding in Littleborough offers a visible deterrent, a rapid-response solution, and a reliable means of keeping your property and staff safe.
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Typical Business Targets in Littleborough
Yard/Trailer Parks: Trailers and loaded freight are often stolen in rapid “hook-up” thefts.
Impact: In 2022, trailer thefts increased by 66%, leading to significant operational disruptions and substantial financial losses.
Plant Hire & Construction Sites: High-value machinery, such as diggers, breakers, and specialist tools, is a prime target for thieves due to its resale value.
Impact: According to new research, the UK construction industry loses more than £800 million annually due to machinery theft, with less than 10% of stolen equipment recovered.
Logistics & Distribution: Overnight trailer break-ins, especially on isolated lanes or industrial estates, result in stolen freight or damaged trailers.
Impact: According to the latest data, freight crime costs UK hauliers £111 million in 2024, with a significant increase in the average value per incident.
Why Tech Alone Is Not Enough?
- CCTV Limitations: While CCTV records effectively, it cannot physically prevent real-time incidents such as theft or other crimes from occurring. The absence of immediate intervention leaves assets vulnerable.
- Alarm Systems: Alarms serve as alerts. However, without verification and on-site response, they merely notify of a breach. Criminals can take advantage of the delay between an alarm sounding and police arrival, increasing the risk of theft or damage.
- Evidence Handling Delays: The delay in footage handover can significantly reduce the chances of immediate arrests.
For instance, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) faced criticism for losing two hours of custody CCTV footage, highlighting the importance of manned guarding in Littleborough for the timely collection and retention of evidence.
Practical Guarding Models for Littleborough Sites
Trusted security company in Littleborough deliver a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Trailer & Freight Protection Package: Checks perimeter, delivery marshals, trailer immobilisation, and CCTV monitoring. Staffed by 1–2 officers during peak hours with mobile patrols off-peak. GPS-tracked trailers and real-time CCTV alerts support KPIs like verification under five minutes and response under ten minutes.
- Plant-Hire & Construction Protection: Static overnight guards, randomised mobile sweeps, tool tagging, and escorted load-outs. Typically, 2–4 officers per shift. RFID-tagged tools, mobile reporting apps, and CCTV ensure KPIs of 90%+ asset recovery and zero unauthorised access.
- Yard/Depot Rapid Response: Alarm verification within 15–30 minutes, guard-secured scene, and immediate police liaison with rapid footage transfer. 1–2 officers on standby with 24/7 monitoring. KPIs include time-to-scene, which is typically 15–30 minutes, and footage handover under 30 minutes.
Recent Local Cases in Littleborough
Case 1 — Large recovery of suspected stolen vehicles & plant, Littleborough (Aug 2024)
What Happened?
In August 2024, GMP police recovered 43 suspected stolen vehicles, caravans, and plant machinery from a Littleborough address, making four arrests.
Officers also recovered luxury items, including five Rolex watches, a Tag Heuer watch, seven bottles of vintage whiskey, and £5,000 in cash, all of which were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. It also has high-value items, such as diggers, cars, and vans.
Why Security Guarding Matters?
The case highlights how organised theft gangs target off-road storage and depots. Without SIA-licensed manned guarding, yards remain highly vulnerable to theft and asset loss.
Case 2 — Historic Conspiracy & Vehicle Theft Investigation (Feb 2022)
What Happened?
In February 2022, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) executed warrants at three addresses in Littleborough, resulting in the arrest of three men aged between 18 and 20 on suspicion of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and burglary.
The operation targeted organised criminal networks involved in high-value vehicle thefts across Littleborough, Rochdale, and Oldham.
Why Security Guarding Matters?
This case highlights the persistence of organised criminal groups operating across multiple boroughs. Coordinated guard reporting from manned security guarding in Littleborough and intelligence sharing are crucial for linking incidents and enabling swift police action to dismantle such networks.
Case 3 — Recent Arrests Linked to Vehicle Theft Networks (July 2025)
What Happened?
On 10 July 2025, Greater Manchester Police arrested five men aged 22 to 63 during early-morning raids in Rochdale and Oldham. The arrests were part of an investigation into an organised crime group suspected of stealing over 40 commercial vehicles, primarily Ford Transit vans. The total value of the stolen vehicles and tools is estimated to exceed £500,000.
Why Security Guarding Matters?
This incident highlights the ongoing threat from organised crime across boroughs. While police recover stolen assets, businesses also implement proactive security measures to prevent initial thefts. Licensed manned guarding deters theft, strengthens perimeter security, and provides timely intelligence to support law enforcement and reduce asset loss.
Evidence Handling & Police Liaison: Best Practice
- All CCTV footage should be properly tagged, timestamped, and securely transmitted to police portals, with the original files retained to maintain the chain of custody and support ongoing investigations.
- Security staff should record time on site, observations, vehicle details, suspicious activity, and any witness information in a logbook.
- Each site should have a single police contact to simplify communication, expedite escalation, and ensure prompt follow-up, thereby facilitating efficient collaboration between security teams and the police.
- Ensure guards are trained in evidence preservation, including handling of physical items and digital media.
Book a Littleborough Yard Risk Audit (Limited Slots)
Take advantage of a free 30–60 day pilot or onsite security audit with Region Security Guarding, where we’ll map your CCTV, alarms, access points, and recommend a tailored guarding service. Limited audit slots are available for this month for Littleborough industrial and plant-hire sites.
Ensure your business is protected with licensed manned guarding in Littleborough—book your audit now to secure your slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How quickly can a guard be deployed to Littleborough sites?
A trained guard can typically be deployed to Littleborough sites within 15–30 minutes, depending on location and availability.
2. Will guards reduce insurance premiums?
Yes. Having licensed manned guards in Littleborough can help lower insurance premiums by reducing risk and demonstrating proactive security measures.
3. What should guards log to help police investigations?
Guards should log their time on site, record observations, provide vehicle details, report suspicious activity, and document witness information to support police investigations.
4. Do guards liaise directly with GMP?
Yes. Guards can liaise directly with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to report incidents, provide evidence, and coordinate responses.
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