Nearly 300 people were arrested for shoplifting and theft related-crimes in Greater Manchester in December, police have said.
It comes as part of a force-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour. The force said increased footfall in shopping centres, stores, markets, and businesses for Christmas saw 296 arrests that resulted in 221 charges across the region.
GMP also handed out street warnings, community resolutions, signposted ‘appropriate resources’, and carried out stop-searches during the festive period. Officers said ‘Operation Grinch’ in Manchester City Centre led to 28 arrests, 11 stop-searches, and 14 community resolutions from December 6 to December 24.
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“December saw an increase in footfall to stores across the region for Christmas”, said Chief Inspector Cara Charlesworth, GMP’s force lead for retail crime. “Unfortunately, this meant shoplifters were on the search for goods to steal and harass and abuse workers simply doing their job.
“Our work ensured we locked up dozens of people in relation to shoplifting, securing countless charges.”
It follows a wider GMP initiative to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, spearheaded by a newly introduced specialist team that seeks to work more closely with partners, store security, charities and other specialist GMP teams.
“2025 will see us strengthen our multi-agency partnership approach to problem-solving retail crime”, said CI Charlesworth. “There will be a real focus on tackling the most prolific offenders that are causing significant harm to the business community.
“Activity will include further weeks of action and improved engagement with retailers to explore the best way we can assist Greater Manchester’s business community.
“If you are a business and are suffering from retail crime, I would urge you to report offences to police so positive action can be taken.”