A DETECTIVE who helped solve a series of "high class" house burglaries has been commended by Bury's top police chief.

Detective Sergeant Brian Langrish led a crack team of police officers from Bury and Bolton who eventually arrested two men responsible for a catalogue of domestic break-ins.

The criminals, one from Radcliffe and the other from Bolton, were jailed for a total of nine years at Manchester Crown Court.

The duo were detained after a successful surveillance operation in the Starling Road area of Bury.

Throughout their crimewave, the two burglars had targeted "high class" homes in the Greenmount and Holcombe areas as well as houses in Heaton and Lostock, Bolton.

The arrests last June climaxed "Operation Napoleon", launched in December 1997.

At its height, up to 60 officers were involved in the investigation.

Now, Astley Bridge-based Det Sgt Langrish has been awarded a Chief Superintendent's commendation from Bury police divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood.

A further 23 officers have received "good working minutes" awards from Ch Supt Hollowood while others were sent memos praising their actions during the investigation.

Det Sgt Langrish (41), who has been in the force for 18 years, said: "Initially, these burglaries occurred in the Bolton areas. But later, they started to happen in the Bury division.

"These two men targeted very high class, detached homes near to rural areas."

The Bolton man was convicted of 11 burglaries while his accomplice was jailed for four offences.

Officers also recovered £30,000 worth of stolen goods following the arrests.

Ch Supt Hollowood said: "Operation Napoleon was a great example of officers from different divisions, under Det Sgt Langrish's direction, working together to produce a cracking result in the arrest and conviction of these prolific burglars."

Det Sgt Langrish, who served in the Bury division for 12 years, added: "Since these two men were jailed, there has been a dramatic reduction in this type of burglary."

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