Non-uniformed officers tackling youth violence have taken 22 weapons off Greater Manchester streets

Over the past eight months, a team of our non-uniformed officers have blended in with communities in South Manchester and Trafford in the aim of keeping people safe in those areas. 

Officers from our taskforce dedicated to tackling youth violence are deployed to hotspot areas in both districts as they look to prevent and reduce crime during peak times over the weekend, with officers are predominately out on patrol on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. 

Whilst our 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. 

Since the formation of Operation Tahara back in May 2023, we have made - over 100 arrests and made more than 300 stop searches - with a total of 22 weapons being seized.

Over the weekend, the Tahara team were out on patrol around Hulme, Moss Side and Old Trafford following up on intelligence and speaking with members of the community about their concerns and providing them with reassurances about recent incidents in the area. 

Our officers also made several calls to homes of wanted individuals, stopping dangerous drivers and speaking to a number of persons of interest. 

Detective Sean Bell from GMP’s City of Manchester district said: “We have worked incredibly hard to forge relationships with the local community, building on the work that had been done by Xcalibur staff in years gone by. 

“Knife crime and serious youth violence are two of the Force’s priority areas and we play a big part in both of those, working alongside many different departments and branches within Greater Manchester Police. 

“Our work is not defined by arrests and weapon seizures, we do a lot of work with City in the Community, who are there to offer youngster who are on our radar, the opportunity to fulfil their potential in a range of areas such as Hulme, Old Trafford and Moss Side. 

“I would like to thank those residents and the local community in South Manchester and Trafford for their help over these past eight months, their knowledge and assistance has helped us greatly, and hopefully they can see we are there to make a positive difference.”