Detectives are investigating a series of commercial burglaries in the city centre appeal for information

Neighbourhood officers in the city centre are appealing to identify a man they wish to speak to following a spike of commercial burglaries in the area in recent weeks.

Officers have seen a spike in burglary offences in several commercial premises across Manchester City Centre in the Piccadilly area, Printworks and the Arndale Centre and also at businesses in Ancoats.

Initial enquiries suggest that a man is entering the ‘staff only' areas of the store without permission and proceeding to items including clothing, rucksacks and small electrical items such as iPods.

The incidents are reported to have happened between the times of 2pm and 10pm throughout July and August, between Sunday 2 July until 18 August 2023.

Image of man detectives wish to speak to 

Inspector Glen Rees of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are now in a position in our investigation to appeal to members of the public and are asking business owners to be switched on regarding the security of their premises and ensure that staff are checking the identities of people in access only areas and securing doors and windows.

“Tackling burglary remains one of GMP’s top priorities and we are looking to identify the man in the image as he may be able to assist us with our enquiries.

“If anyone has any information or CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, specifically around the times of 2pm to 10pm, or can identify the men in the images please contact officers on 0161 856 6164 or 101 or report via LiveChat facility on gmp.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

For additional burglary prevention advice please visit our website - Operation Castle | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)