At around 11.30am, officers were alerted to the vehicle because it activated ANPR cameras.
After being covertly followed on a busy stretch of road, the offender continued to drive at high speeds, failing to stop.
With the assistance of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, the grey Ford Fiesta was then pursued on residential streets through Middleton before it crashed on Hollins Lane.
Officers were on hand to support and detained three people on suspicion of burglary.
A search of the vehicle revealed a baseball bat and hammer, as well as wiring which is linked to starting motorbikes.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal and possession of an offensive weapon. He has since been bailed.
A 19-year-old man has been bailed on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug and an offensive weapon, while a 17-year-old girl has been bailed for possessing an offensive weapon.
PC Oliver Rose of GMP’s TVIU said: “Our co-ordinated, quick, and tactical response meant we have secured another good result.
“Thankfully, their actions, especially the drivers in broad daylight didn’t result in any serious injuries to members of the public, but our ongoing commitment and determination to catch potential offenders in the act is a priority.
“With the resources available to us were able to track and trace a vehicle safely that we believe has been linked to a previous burglary.”
Anyone with information that could help police with ongoing enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1148 of 01/02/2024.
