City Centre district appeals for further information following rise in theft from person incidents

After initial enquiries, Greater Manchester Police are now appealing for help from the public in identifying the following people in these photos, as officers would like to speak to them in connection with a number of separate incidents involving thefts from person over the last few weeks.

If you think you might know them or have more recent sightings of them, please get in touch.

 

Incident 1

These two men are still being sought by officers who would like to speak to them following a series of bank card thefts.

The offences occurred at around 4pm on Friday 23 September 2022 in Manchester City Centre.

The bank cards were stolen and then used to pay for expensive items in Argos Sainsbury's in Salford. One victim reported that they had their mobile phone stolen as well.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2508 of 23/09/22.

 

Incident 2

Whilst police would also like to speak to this man and woman in relation to a theft from a person involving a mobile phone on Mosley Street outside Sainsbury’s Local.

This was after a report came in at approximately 3pm on Tuesday 11 October 2022.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 1857 of 11/10/22.

 

Incident 3

The City Centre team would like to identify this man and speak to him regarding another theft of a mobile phone from the reception desk at SakkuSamba restaurant on Bridge Street.

This was where a distraction technique was used at around 5:30pm on Saturday 22 October 2022.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2387 of 22/10/22.

 

Incident 4

Neighbourhood officers would also like to speak to this woman and boy after another theft of person report was made on Oxford Road.

This was reported on Sunday 23 October 2022 at around 3:30pm.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 1979 of 23/10/22.

 

Incident 5 & 6

Police want to speak to this person relating to two theft of persons incidents at the Superdrug store in Piccadilly (Wednesday 26 October – 5pm) as well as the Barburrito restaurant in the Arndale (Thursday 27 October – 3:15pm) nearby that officers believe are linked where mobile phones have been taken again.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2835 of 26/10/22 or incident number 1979 of 27/10/22.

 

Incident 7

Officers are keen to speak to this man after a mobile phone was taken from a shop on Ducie Street.

This happened at around 7pm on Tuesday 1 November 2022.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2795 of 01/11/22.

 

Information or details on any of the above can also be shared by dialling 101, through the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

 

Sergeant Kam Hare of the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team said, “Thankfully in all the instances no one has been physically injured, but regardless of this, it is a crime that has a huge impact on each person as personal belongings have been taken.

“Intel suggests some people are coming from outside the Greater Manchester area from other big cities into the city centre here to commit these crimes, but with a significant rise it is something we are taking very seriously and are committing sizeable resources as well as investigating every case to ensure we keep people in the city centre safe.

“Whilst we have secured some great arrests, we are still looking for a number of suspects and to help the public we have some great preventative tips to ensure you keep your belongings safe and secure during the upcoming busy festive period.”

To assist the public in keeping their belongings safe, please take the time to read some of the tips from the dedicated City Centre Operation Reunite which will make it harder for criminals to take your personal belongings when out and about.

1. Be aware of your surroundings, if you’re playing music or talking with headphones in, you can’t hear what’s going on around you making it harder to react quickly if something happens.
2. Thieves look for easy targets, for example, phones held away from your body and valuables on show, so keep them hidden in a secure bag or pocket where possible.
3. Stick to well-lit areas and busy streets, avoid shortcuts through unlit and deserted areas.
4. Track it. Consider installing a tracker app on your smartphone. They’re readily available online. If your mobile’s ever stolen, act promptly.
5. If you’ve been on a night out in the city, get a taxi or public transport home. Avoid walking on your own.
6. Never leave valuable items on the table of a restaurant or pub, especially outside. Thieves can snatch items in a blink of an eye.
7. There’s safety in numbers so stick with friends and plan ahead before going out, consider how you are going to get home. If you have to wait for public transport or a taxi, keep to well-lit areas with others around.
8. Be aware when using cash machines. If there are people loitering nearby or anyone tries to distract you or invade your personal space walk away.
9. Make a written note of your mobile phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06#. If your phone is stolen, it can speed up the process of getting the phone blocked when reporting the number to your service provider. Consider registering any replacement phone on www.immobilise.com (free service and support by Police).
10. Remember, if a location doesn’t look or feel right then steer clear.

 

Are you a prime target?

• Do keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times.
• Do carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest.
• Do return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it.
• Do use a purse that’s difficult to open. One that zips or snaps shut is best, and keep it closed.
• Do use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash
• Do conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge.
• Do keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of contact numbers of family in case your phone is stolen.
• Do keep a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and any other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace if stolen.