GMP hosts retailers and security teams to support businesses and tackle criminality

Retailers and security teams from across Greater Manchester joined officers at GMP’s headquarters last week as part of a dedicated retail crime meeting to contribute towards future plans for tackling and reducing criminality.

The in-person sessions drew attendees from across Greater Manchester: security, business management, union representatives, and GMP officers representing all the different districts.

From the hundreds of arrests each month to regular days of action and cutting-edge deployments of Live Facial Recognition, officers are targeting criminals with a multitude of resources.

The recent Home Office led Winter of Action saw a focus on retail crime as well as ASB and other town centre-based issues. This resulted in 272 arrests for retail offences – and a 5% reduction when compared to the same Christmas period the previous year.

The details of these recent successes were presented the group, while the best practice for achieving those goals were shared throughout the course of the day.

This included a talk by our problem-solving Operation Vulcan team – who have seen successes in tackling various crime-types, from anti-social behaviour to illicit business practices and more, using the clear, hold, build methodology.

The main agenda for the day concentrated on long-term resolutions and offender management, from the perspectives of all those involved. Case studies were shown to highlight how repeat offenders can fall into a cycle of criminality – and the most effective solutions that can be used to get them out of it.

To that end, engagement and prevention are key tools in assisting vulnerable people and helping them with everything from housing and food to addiction services.

Representatives from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) also spoke on the day - with Deputy Mayor Kate Green also in attendance and reaffirming the continued partnership with GMP in tackling retail crime.

Going forward, further meetings will take place while newsletters will be circulated with the most up-to-date information and crime-tackling advice.

All businesses are encouraged to report crimes to police and to contact their local neighbourhood policing team if they experience repeat issues, who can share details on tackling crime and build their intelligence picture, which further helps them identify and solve issues.

Superintendent Cara Charlesworth, GMP’s lead for retail crime, said: “Engaging with businesses and their representatives across Greater Manchester is vital to ensuring a strong, partnership-led approach to all retail and shoplifting offences.

“While we will investigate the crimes that come into us – which means we secure thousands of arrests a year – we strive to help those in genuine need and build sustainable long-term solutions.

“This can take the form of many types of action, including referring people to services, charities, medical help, and engaging with local councils to take the appropriate action to help support people and their families.

“Of course, we still maintain a robust approach to any retail offences, and are determined to be there to protect businesses and the people who work for them. I would urge anyone with any issues to get in touch with us to help find the best result.”

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer Stronger Communities, said: "Retail crime has a real impact on businesses, staff, and communities across Greater Manchester, and tackling it remains a key priority for us.

“By bringing together businesses, unions, local authorities and policing teams, we are not only addressing repeat offending but also supporting vulnerable individuals to break the cycle of criminality and develop long-term, sustainable solutions.

“I’m grateful to everyone involved for their continued dedication to creating safer high streets and protecting the people who work so hard to serve our communities."