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OAP crime figures revealed
POLICE have arrested more than 270 Wigan pensioners on suspicion of criminal offences in the last six years - including 13 suspects aged in their 80s.
Official police figures show that officers have held local pensioners in connection with offences such as murder, rape, drug dealing and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The oldest person arrested – in November 2012 – was 87. He was subsequently charged with committing gross indecency with a girl under 14 years of age.
There has also been one 84-year-old, one 83-year-old, three 82-year-olds and four 81-year-olds arrested in Wigan since February 2007, as well as three 80-year-olds.
The other 80-somethings were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, drink driving, harassment, arson, indecent exposure and breach of the peace.
The 84-year-old arrested in July 2011 was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
There were also 166 Wigan OAPs arrested aged 65-69 and 94 aged 70-79.
Of the 270-plus pensioners arrested across the borough since February 2007, 128 were eventually charged with criminal offences.
The most common crimes committed by local over 65s were drink driving, common assault and theft.
But there were also scores of far less common crimes committed too. Last year, OAP crooks were arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure, corporate manslaughter, wounding and rape.
A 66-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering and a 68-year-old on suspicion of damaging property with intent to endanger life.
Supt Andrea Jones argued that the figures showed that police in Wigan always seek justice in every criminal case - regardless of the age of the suspect.
She said: “Whether you are 18 or 80, if you commit crime we will take positive action against you.”
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Monday 20 May 2013
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