‘You’ve been robbed’ cards handed out to the public as part of Operation Acquire

Neighbourhood officers in Manchester City Centre hand out ‘you’ve been robbed cards’ to members of the public who have their phones or valuables on show as part of Operation Acquire, GMP's neighbourhood operation.

Officers will spot members of the public and give them a ‘you’ve been robbed card’ to nudge them into hiding their mobile phone or valuable in a bag or pocket – away from view.

This is in a bid to reduce personal robberies and thefts, especially during the busy festive period with many seasonal events occurring in the city centre with a high footfall.

Keep your phone and valuables out of sight. Many thieves are opportunities and look out for targets that are distracted - if you’re using your phone, could be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you and be present.

Detective Superintendent Dave Meeney of GMP’s City of Manchester district and also force lead for robbery, said: “It can happen so easily, we want the public to be equipped with as much knowledge as possible about crime prevention and how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

“We have brought out a new initiative where officers provide ‘you’ve been robbed cards’ to members of the public who are walking with their phone on view or even texting and walking whilst out and about in the city centre.

“Opportunistic thieves are looking for individuals who are not paying attention to their surroundings with their valuables on show.

“If you are out and about, be wary, look around you and be present. Please keep your phone hidden away and zipped in a bag or place belongings under your table when in a busy restaurant or bar or even in your pocket, making it harder for criminals reach.

"Simple things like this can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

“These type of thefts happen so quickly with some instances taking less than a minute for the offender to approach the victim and steal the phone away.

“I hope that these cards can be used positively to reduce robberies and prevent crime across Greater Manchester.”

"There will be an increase of highly visible patrols in the city centre, if you have any concerns about crime come and speak to officers or alternatively report through 101 or via LiveChat on gmp.police.uk.

"Always call 999 in an emergency."

To register your mobile: The Police National Mobile Property Register - NMPR (thenmpr.com)

Remember to never confront criminals or risk your own safety for the sake of your mobile phone or valuables.

For more neighbourhood crime prevention advice from GMP, please visit: Crime prevention advice | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)