Neighbourhood officers continue to tackle shoplifting as over 3,600 arrested

Officers across the force made more than 3,600 arrests for shoplifting offences between April 2024 and March 2025.

The sum – averaging approximately 300 a month – was a near 50% increase on the year prior, which saw just over 2,400 made. The total was 3,631.

The 12-months to March 2025 saw 1,938 charged and remanded, with a further 957 charged and bailed. This represents a 38.1% and 63.3% increase respectively on the previous year.

The arrests and charges meant an increase in solved outcomes – a 59% increase over the last 12 months.

In the most recent full month of data (May), 261 arrests were made with 192 charges secured. 

The increases across the board are down to the determined efforts of local neighbourhood teams, who work closely with stores, partners, and local authorities to provide the best possible service to businesses who are the victims of theft and other criminality.

Today (Wednesday 25 June), the theme of the day for national Neighbourhood Week of Action 2025 is shoplifting, and teams across GMP will be conducting a variety of work and action across each and every district.

The work that officers undertake every day can change from one to the next, and can include:

• Proactive patrols targeting shoplifters, through a combination of both high-visibility and covert work. The latter can include working closely with store security to tackle persistent and problematic offenders.

• Engagement work within the community. While officers use their enforcement and punitive powers where necessary, engagement work with the most vulnerable is key to prevent re-offending. This work can include signposting to charities, hostels, food banks, and liaising with homeless teams to address any issues.

• Sharing best practice, at a force and national level. With each district having a SPOC for shoplifting, officers will regularly meet to discuss the best way to manage and prevent shoplifting issues on their own induvial patch. Senior officers additionally participate in national conferences, in which the latest legislation and case-studies on the best work amongst forces are shared.

• Working with specialist teams within GMP. Neighbourhood teams can work with teams across the force where necessary – from our prevention branch who can share material with local stores to CID, sniffer dogs, and more, officers can rely on a breadth of knowledge from across GMP.

• Conducting warrants to tackle shoplifters. Where evidence is gathered to identify shoplifters who are taking goods to re-sell them on, or goods of high value, door-smashing warrants take place as part of an investigation.

Superintendent Cara Charlesworth, Force Lead for Retail Crime, said: “Our improvements over the last couple of years are down to the dedicated efforts of local neighbourhood teams, who work closely with businesses to identify issues that they are facing and provide bespoke advice and plans.

“While we make hundreds of arrests, we do work closely with partners to better understand why people are committing these crimes, and to that end, we regularly provide support to vulnerable people, ensuring they get the advice they need depending on their unique situation.

“As part of Neighbourhood Week of Action, teams will be conducting everything from proactive patrols to targeted days of action, and I fully anticipate further great results coming from the day.

“If you are a local business owner, or work in a store and want assistance, please do get in touch with your local team, who will do their absolute best to tackle the issues you face.”

Deputy Mayor of Manchester Kate Green added: "Shopworkers and businesses in Greater Manchester deserve to feel safe, supported, and protected, and that’s exactly what our neighbourhood teams are working hard to deliver every single day.

"These latest figures show just how seriously we’re taking retail crime. With thousands of arrests and a significant rise in charges and solved outcomes, it’s clear that Greater Manchester Police is stepping up and taking robust action to tackle shoplifting head-on.

"Behind every statistic is a concerted effort by local officers, working closely with stores and partners to deter repeat offenders, protect staff, and provide vital support to vulnerable individuals.

"This Neighbourhood Week of Action is a powerful reminder of how effective local policing can be when it’s visible, proactive, and rooted in partnership. I want to thank our officers and all those working to keep our high streets safer and stronger for everyone.”