Six people arrested and suspected stolen items seized in Melling

We have arrested six people and seized suspected stolen items, including 47 boxes of golf bags and a caravan, as part of an investigation into a high-value business burglary in Rainford.

On Wednesday 22 October we received a report of a break-in at Clarkes Golf Centre, on Mill Lane, and multiple items of stock had been stolen.

Following ongoing inquiries, warrants were carried out at homes in Melling yesterday (Monday 17 November) and the following people were arrested:

• A 48-year-old man from Melling was arrested on suspicion of burglary
• A 41-year-old woman from Melling was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property
• A 44-year-old man from Melling was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property
• A 40-year-old woman from Melling was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods
• A 36-year-old woman from Melling was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, possessing a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug (MDMA)
• A 37-year-old man from Bootle was arrested on suspicion of burglary and handling stolen goods

Following searches of various properties linked to the suspects, officers have recovered the following items:

• 47 boxes of golf bags (see image)
• 220 cartons of cigarettes
• Around £10,000 in cash
• Two Rolex watches
• Class A and B drugs
• A suspected stolen caravan
• Suspected stolen makeup and beauty products

All the items have now been seized as part of the ongoing investigation and the six arrested suspects remain in police custody.

Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram said: “To recover so many suspected stolen items is a fantastic result and we currently have six people in custody who will be questioned.

“I hope this illustrates how seriously we take reports of all forms of burglary, whether it be a business or a residential property.

"Crime targeting those who own, run and work in our businesses will never be tolerated and can have a significant impact on both individuals and organisations. 

“We’d also like to take this opportunity to encourage businesses to consider taking a few simple steps that prevent opportunists spotting an easy target.”

Keep burglars out of your business | Crime prevention | Merseyside Police

Schemes for businesses to prevent crime | Crime prevention | Merseyside Police 

If you have any information about a burglary, you can DM us on social media @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.