Three years of Operation Venture - 958 arrests, 284 weapons recovered and removed, and 419 vehicle seizures

Alongside proactive patrolling to tackle hot spot areas as well as using intelligence to determine patrol plans, the team have also been working towards strengthening relationships between young people and GMP through sport such as with Bury Defence Academy, aimed at empowering young people by providing them with a safe place, and an outlet to express themselves to divert them away from violence.

Superintendent Richard Thompson, who leads GMP’s response to knife crime and serious violence said: “Knife crime has no place in our communities and on our streets. We know how devastating the impact knife crime can cause on families, and the wider community.

“Operation Venture was set up to tackle the knife crime head-on and they are specially selected and ring-fenced to respond to serious violence, working across Greater Manchester helping to detect and deter violent crime.

“Over the past three years, the team have dedicated over 37,000 hours to proactive patrolling around key hotspot locations, seizing weapons, making arrests and keeping the streets of Greater Manchester safer.

“As a force compared to last year, knife crime is down 10% with over 470 fewer crimes and October 2025 saw 61 positive stop-searches per day across the force which includes those from our dedicated team.

“We cannot tackle knife crime alone however and rely on intelligence from our communities. Intelligence given to us, either directly or through anonymous channels helps us to understand our hotspot areas and ensure our teams are tackling the concerns and issues that matter to you. I would encourage anyone who has information relating to knife crime and serious violence to speak out.

“We are committed to tackling knife crime head on, and with your support we can continue to arrest people, take weapons off the streets and keep people safe.”

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Operation Venture is a great example of proactive neighbourhood policing, making communities across Greater Manchester safer. This works closely with our Violence Reduction Unit, educating people about the dangers of carrying weapons and the penalties for doing so, with prevention work to provide positive activities and support for young people and families.

"Collectively, we will continue to address the root causes of violence in our communities and help make them safer and more resilient, and our city-region the best place for young people to live well.”

The work of the Operation Venture team feeds into the force’s overall stance around knife crime with teams working proactively across districts to tackle knife crime alongside partner agencies from local councils to youth agencies looking at ways to educate young people.

A recent announcement from the Home Office has seen Manchester announced as one of the pilot areas to tackle knife crime and serious violence with an investment of £300,000 to develop innovative solutions to prevent crime before it happens and target resources where we know issues occur. Further information on the announcement can be found here.

If you know or suspect someone is illegally carrying a knife, please report it immediately. Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Whilst 11-17-year-olds can make anonymous reports via Fearless.org.