GMP’s specialist officers deployed across the Transport network as part of Project Servator

Specialist officers were deployed yesterday (20/09/2024) across the Transport network in Greater Manchester as part of Project Servator, a national policing tactic to disrupt criminal activity and provide a reassuring presence for the public.

Increased police visibility across the tram and bus services is part of our approach to ensure people feel safe and are safe while travelling across Greater Manchester. We’re working closely with our partners at Transport for Greater Manchester and encourage anyone with questions or concerns to approach us.

Yesterday’s deployments involved uniformed officers engaging with members of the public, proactively preventing and stopping crime, with support from our plain-clothed officers.

As a result, around 6:30pm, we arrested a man (40) from Ashton Under Lyne near the Piccadilly Tram stop on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, breaching court bail, and assaulting a police officer.

Later in the evening, just after 9:00pm, in St Peters Square officers arrested a man we’ve been wanting to speak with in relation to a number of thefts in Trafford. The man (29) from Salford was also arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs.

The deployment saw high community engagement around Bury, Little Hulton, Trafford and around Media City. The teams in Cornbrook and Bolton intervened during disturbances and returned children home safely in both incidents.

Inspector James Corrigan, from our Specialist Operations Planning Unit, said: “This deployment is one of many we do on a regular basis around Greater Manchester, working with our Transport Unit and partners, Transport for Greater Manchester, showing an active presence on the tram and bus networks.

“Our aim is always to keep the public safe and these deployments go a long way in doing that, our officers are experienced and specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime and having extra trained officers will strengthen that.

“While we targeted many forms of criminality, we’re also there to prevent anti-social behaviour and intervene in instances to ensure everyone travelling via public transit can go about their journeys feeling safe and reassured.”

Kate Green, TfGM’s TravelSafe Partnership Manager, said: “Ensuring that customers and staff are safe, and feel safe, when travelling or working on public transport is of paramount importance to us, and our commitment to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour on our networks is absolute.

“Project Servator is vitally important in helping reassure the travelling public and deter groups and individuals from engaging in unwanted behaviours, and the TravelSafe Partnership will continue to support our partner agencies in delivering this deployment.”

To report suspicious activity, call the police on 101. Suspicious activity is anything that seems out of place, unusual or does not seem to fit in with day-to-day life. If it is an emergency, always call 999.

Guidance on how to help, including what suspicious activity to look out for, and confidential reporting is available at www.gov.uk/act

There is more information about Project Servator on our website - Project Servator | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)