A MAN and a woman from Blackburn have been charged with burglary following a large-scale operation carried out by police in Lancashire and Merseyside.

They were arrested along with six others after a major police raid on Monday October 20 and were remanded in custody.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Anjum Nawaz, 37 years, of Oozehead Lane, Blackburn has now been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles while Shamila Tabassum, 35 years, of Seacole Close, Blackburn was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.

In addition to the Blackburn pair:

  • Lewis Tankard, 19 years, of Seel Road, Huyton was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
  • Paul Wharton, 34 years, of Max Road, Knotty Ash was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
  • Stephen Hooton, 28 years, of no fixed abode was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
  • Neil O’Brien, 18 years, of Prestwood Crescent, Dovecot was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
  • Paula Heathers, 50 years, of The Green, Stoneycroft was charged with money laundering
  • Susan Russell, 19 years, of Corner Brook, Stockbridge Village was charged with money laundering

Speaking after the initial raid, Detective Inspector Steve Ball, leading the investigation, said: “We’d like to thank our neighbouring forces Lancashire and Cheshire for their continued assistance, as we continue to investigate across the region.

“The suspected scale of offences and victim affected means that this could be one of the most significant burglary operations ever carried out in the north west region.”

He added: “We regularly act on information from those communities affected by burglary across Merseyside and alongside other forces, so come forward if you know anything about suspected burglary and the sale of stolen goods where you are.”

All eight will appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court later today.