Operation Acquire: Neighbourhood officers make 37 arrests and give out preventative advice to communities across Greater Manchester

Operation Acquire is Greater Manchester Police's forcewide initiative that sees a day of action carried out across the force with extra resources deployed to target and arrest criminals suspected of committing neighbourhood offences.

Police across Greater Manchester arrested 37 people force wide as part of the latest Operation Acquire day of action last week (Thursday 24 November). Those arrested were suspected of committing neighbourhood related offences such as burglary, theft of motor vehicles, robbery and theft from motor vehicles.

Neighbourhood officers also held events within the local communities, such as stalls set up in community centres and schools to offer crime prevention advice specifically related to neighbourhood crimes and how to keep yourself, your home and your belongings safe from criminals this season.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emily Higham from GMP’s Wigan district and also force lead for neighbourhood crime said: “Last week’s neighbourhood day of action was a success, it is important for the public to see heightened resources targeted to tackle the crimes that mean the most to those in the community.

“As well as making 37 arrests across the force, neighbourhood officers conducted over 50 crime prevention activities in locations across Greater Manchester. It is equally as important that officers are out talking to the public and ensuring that people are aware of crime prevention advice to protect their homes and belongings, this is especially vital during this season.

PCSO in the city centre talks to a driver about theft from motor vehicles when leaving vehicles in car parks for long periods of time

“Our preventative advice makes it easy for you to make it hard for criminals.

“We listen to concerns and take them on board when prioritising where we need to be visible and what we need to focus on to make people feel safer and we will continue to do so and work tirelessly to make Greater Manchester a safer place to live.”

Neighbourhood crime prevention advice

Below are GMP’s top tips to keep you and your belongings safe during the darker nights season:

• Homes left in darkness can signify no one is at home. A few simple steps can deter thieves. Use a TV simulator, leave a radio tuned into a talk station on, and use light timers to turn lamps on as it goes dark.
• Keep burglars out in the cold. Remember to lock your front door and windows. It only takes a minute for a burglar to sneak in.
• Keep valuables, such as car keys, mobile phones, and laptops, out of reach from doors and windows, especially if they’re open.
• How secure is your door? Check existing door locks and ensure they comply with latest lock standards. If you have any concerns, contact your local Master Locksmith for advice

Pop up neighbourhood surgery in Chadderton

The colder months might not be everybody’s favourite time of year, but burglars love the darker nights. Keep them out in the cold by ensuring your home is secure. Follow our top tips: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

I would urge members of the public to promote and join a Neighbourhood watch scheme in your area by visiting www.ourwatch.org.uk to sign up. If you have any intelligence, however small you think that is, please contact us or inform Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111. 

Report using the LiveChat facility on gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.