Operation Tahara: Non-uniformed GMP officers blend with communities to keep people safe

A team of non-uniformed GMP officers are blending in with communities in South Manchester and Trafford to keep people safe.

Operation Tahara is deployed to hotspot locations in the South Manchester and Trafford areas to prevent and reduce crime.

This weekend, officers are out on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.

Whilst the officers utilise their police powers to stop search; seize illegal objects; and arrest suspects, they also prioritise diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime through engagement and referrals to specialist partner agencies and services, who can offer opportunities to help them fulfil their positive potential.

Detective Superintendent Dave Meeney, who oversees Operation Tahara, said: “Engagement is a really effective tactic in preventing and reducing crime - that’s why this team is deployed to hotspot locations at peak times, when we know young people are more likely to be in public spaces and looking for something to do.

“The officers wear plain clothes so, whilst those who live and work in these areas might not see a high-visibility police presence, they can be reassured that GMP is regularly striving to deploy the most suitable officers to the right places at the right times in order to build a resilient community for current and future generations.

“Operation Tahara is building on firm foundations laid by the Xcalibre team, which was established in 2006 and successfully reduced gun crime in South Manchester.

"The team remains integral to policing in this area and the force, with partner agencies, is currently assessing how it can evolve to tackle current issues.”

GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Information about crime can also be reported anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111.