Eight charged in connection with large-scale burglary conspiracy

Detectives investigating a large-scale burglary conspiracy have charged eight people following a series of warrants in Merseyside and Lancashire.

The group were arrested on Tuesday 20 October following a twelve month joint investigation by detectives from Warrington Beat Initiative Team, in partnership with officers from Merseyside and Lancashire Police.

The following people have been charged with:

• Anjum Nawaz, 37 years, of Oozehead Lane, Blackburn, Lancashire was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
• 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
• Shamila Tabassum, 35 years, of Seacole Close, Blackburn, Lancashire 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

The charges relate to a series of more than 160 offences across Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.

All eight people have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court today, Thursday 22 October.