The one clue that busted prolific burglar who targeted homes across Greater Manchester

One clue busted a prolific burglar who targeted homes across Greater Manchester and other parts of the UK. Alex Rigby's offending was uncovered after his blood was found inside one of his victim's homes.

A joint investigation by Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police, Merseyside Police and North Wales Police identified Rigby, 41, of Stonesteads Way, Bolton, as being involved in burglary offences in their respective areas.

He was initially arrested in April 2023 by Lancashire Police in relation to burglary and driving offences between April 12 and April 16 of this year.

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Bolton’s Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team led the investigation for GMP and arrested Rigby a month later in May after his blood had been found inside the address of one of his victims.

After collating evidence, Rigby was found responsible for seven burglary offences in the Greater Manchester area between February 2023 and March 2023, where he targeted his victims’ homes during the day, when he knew they were out, by smashing the rear glass door and stealing valuable items.

As a result of the joint investigations, he was convicted for 40 offences and sentenced to seven years imprisonment at Preston Crown Court last Friday (October 13). He was also disqualified from driving for three years and six months.

PC Sam Burgess of Bolton's Neighbourhood Priority Crime Team said; "This has been a detailed investigation that involved working in partnership between multiple police forces.

“The result shows a clear message that we take these offences seriously and are determined to tackle