Five people arrested over high value burglaries with watches and handbags recovered
Four people have been arrested in the Midlands in connection with a series of high value burglaries.
More than 30 police officers executed three warrants yesterday (Wednesday, July 2) at addresses in Walsall, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham leading to the arrests of three Albanian men - aged 27, 28, 30 - and a 33-year-old British woman.
A fifth person, a 28-year-old Albanian man, was later arrested in London.
The raids involved officers from Macclesfield CID, the Cheshire Constabulary Serious and Organised Crime Unit and officers from Staffordshire Police, Derbyshire Police and Nottinghamshire Police.
All five suspects were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary; they are all being held in police custody.
The arrests form part of Cheshire Police's Operation Ambler, an ongoing operation led by detectives at Macclesfield CID into at least 37 high value burglaries across the UK which occurred between October 2024 and March 2025.
They include 10 burglaries in Cheshire along with others in West Mercia, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Durham, Cleveland, and Warwickshire.
The properties targeted in Cheshire include homes in Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Disley, Weston, Willaston and Whitegate.
All of the burglaries involved high value residential premises and the total value of the items stolen is believed to be more than £1 million.
Detective Sergeant Laura Fox, of Macclesfield CID, who led the operation said: “Today’s raids are the culmination of detailed investigations across multiple forces brought together into at least 37 high value burglaries spread over a six-month period.
“Our investigation has shown us that these incidents have been carefully planned and coordinated, and they’ve gone to great lengths to continue their crime spree across the country.
“On each occasion the offenders have specifically targeted high value properties, breaking in via first-floor windows and doors, and ransacking the premises to steal as much as possible.
“In total we believe that the value of the items stolen in the burglaries was more than £1 million, which includes more than £400,000 from the 10 homes in Cheshire.
“I hope that today’s arrests provide some reassurance to the victims in the case and also act as a warning to other offenders who are thinking of targeting Cheshire.”
Cheshire Police said that during the raids officers recovered a number of high value watches and handbags.
Detective Inspector Dave Jarvis, of Macclesfield CID said: “Burglary is a horrific offence, and we understand the devastating impact that it has on victims and the long-lasting emotional damage it can cause, which is why we’re committed to doing all we can to tackle the issue.
“The work leading up to and including today’s operation is testament to the dedication and commitment of our officers and staff to disrupt this criminal activity and keep communities in Cheshire safe.
“As these arrests demonstrate, if you commit crime in Cheshire, we will come for you. No matter where you live, or how much you try to hide, our officers will come for you, and you will be arrested.”
