Dedicated team tackling store crime in Bolton town centre

A dedicated neighbourhood team is helping new police officers learn essential skills while tackling crimes across Bolton’s stores.

Benefitting both the community and the officers who will be serving them, the new Bolton high-street squad has seen new recruits deployed into the town centre in recent months, ably supported by senior officers.

There, they have provided increased patrols, discussed crime-busting tips with stores, and acquired knowledge that will benefit them in their careers as Greater Manchester Police officers.

The neighbourhood officers have seen their hard work pay off, with numerous arrests and subsequent charges, fines, and orders issued in response to reports of various crimes in the town centre: shoplifting, burglaries, robberies, and anti-social behaviour have all been robustly dealt with.

By working closely with stores, officers have further been able to identify hotspots and assist local security in tackling shoplifters. Furthermore, an increase in patrols has ensured a high visibility policing presence in Bolton.

Sergeant David Keir, from GMP’s Bolton district, said: “Our operation benefits Bolton two-fold: their new neighbourhood officers quickly acquire new skills, while the problems of shoplifting and other crimes which involve taking without consent - theft, robberies and burglaries - are all directly tackled as a result of the work being done.

“We have worked closely with stores and local partners to ensure the best work possible is being done for Bolton. Recently, one store called us up to give us a direct tip-off, which resulted in a subsequent arrest suspicion of shoplifting. Other stores will talk to us about the ways in which things are stolen, including times and who is responsible. This assists with intelligence and helps us paint a picture of offenders and where they are likely to target.

“Ultimately, if we receive a report, we will act on it, and our officers are committed to keeping Bolton’s streets safe while reducing crime.

“If you are a business owner in Bolton, please do get in touch with us. We want to hear from you and what you would like to see us do to help.”

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