Officers from GMP’s Operation Tahara make two arrests and take three knives off the streets in South Manchester

A team of non-uniformed GMP officers out on patrol in Moss Side, South Manchester, arrested a 15-year-old boy and recovered two knives following a stop and search on Saturday (23 September 2023) evening.

At around 6.20pm, a moped carrying two passengers was spotted with the riders not wearing helmets and no number plate attached to the vehicle.

One boy was detained on suspicion of possessing a bladed article, taking without owner’s consent and being in possession of a Class B drugs.

He has since been bailed with conditions.

On Sunday (24 September 2023) officers responding to a disturbance in Rusholme intervene during an argument between two men.

During the dispute a 50-year-old man dropped a knife and subsequently made off, he was chased, detained and booked into custody by the responding officers.

When in custody it transpired that the arrested man was wanted on a recall to prison.

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

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: “Over the weekend the Xcalibre Task Force team have carried out a number of stop searches which have ultimately led to the recovery of three knives that may well have been used in some sort of criminality.

“We have been and will continue to work to make Greater Manchester a safer place for those who work and live in the City-region.

“I want to make it really clear the danger that carrying knives presents to the community and my message to anyone who is carrying a knife or bladed article is that the law is really clear around this and we will take action against anyone found to be breaking the law.”

“Alongside partners from the South Manchester and Trafford area, intelligence is being shared and positive proactive policing is taking place in both areas.

“This is just the beginning of larger body of work being undertook by myself and the officers involved with Operation Tahara.”

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.