Greater Manchester Police welcomes the return of Manchester Christmas Markets

The Manchester Christmas Markets return to Manchester City Centre tomorrow (Friday 10 November 2023).

As with all large-scale events, Greater Manchester Police will be providing a heightened policing presence to act as a deterrent to criminality and ensure the safety of everyone attending.

There will be an increased visible police presence in the city centre throughout the festive period and visitors to the markets can expect to see additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs as well as specialist police officers including plain clothes and firearms officers.

Patrol plans also include deployments by specially trained officers from Project Servator. These patrols are unpredictable and utilise a range of tactics designed to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, whilst providing a reassuring presence for the public.

In the Piccadilly Gardens area, you will also continue to see proactive and persistent policing by Operation Vulcan Piccadilly officers, as they work alongside the neighbourhood team and wider partners – including Manchester City Council - to disrupt criminality and tackle negative perceptions of Piccadilly Gardens.

Inspector Glen Rees of Greater Manchester Police said: “Greater Manchester Police has once again launched Operation Dasher in the city centre, which is our policing operation for the Manchester Christmas Markets.  

“The operation steps-up patrols, draws on a wide range of force resources and uses a combination of tactics – including high-visibility and plain clothes deployments – to reduce crime and ensure everyone heading out to enjoy festivities can do so safely.

“We are also working closely with wider partners including Manchester City Council and are linked in with businesses to offer support throughout the busy Christmas period.

“We will also be utilising Project Servator deployments which can pop up anywhere, at any time. If you see one of these in action, it is nothing to worry about. Our officers will be happy to explain what they’re doing and if you have any questions, please speak to them and find out how you can help play a part in keeping people safe this Christmas.”

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: "Our partners at GMP do a great job 24/7 of helping make sure our world-famous Christmas markets are a safe place for everyone to visit. 

"Some of their activities you'll see and others you won't, but they're all designed to help make sure our visitors have the best time possible at the markets and we can't wait to welcome everyone back again this year."

As with any busy area, police are encouraging everyone to remain vigilant while out and about, and to report anything suspicious immediately to security or police officers at the markets. In an emergency always call 999. GMP is also encouraging everyone to follow national ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) guidance. More information on what to look out for and how to contact police can be found at www.gov.uk/ACT.