by Tom Walsh
Police have carried out several searches at the Crompton Lodge Caravan Park, Bolton and managed to recover £50,000-worth of stolen goods as well as a sawn-off shotgun.
Detective inspector Denise Pye said: “What we seized from this park shows it was being used as a criminal hide-out.”
Greater Manchester Police Tactical Aid Unit officers found stolen electrical items in communal areas as well as in vacant caravans.
They also took away two vans and caravans from the facility in the belief that they were stolen, but the most concerning find was the loaded weapon.
The DI said that he was sure the seizure of the sawn-off shotgun, which was found in a shared showering area alongside ammunition, would “save lives”.
Recovered goods have been sent off for forensic analysis in attempts to identify the criminals involved, and potentially the origin of the items.
Mr Pye thanked the local community for their help in the successful raid, indicating that suspicions about the caravan park were raised to the police by nearby residents.
Any caravanners or residents who have further information about the incident, or who are concerned about activity at any park, are urged to contact the police.
