Neighbourhood Policing Week: GMP taking part in national week of activity to tackle local crime

Today marks the beginning of Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action 2026, in which forces across the country will be taking part in proactive action across their local communities.

Every single day, officers across Greater Manchester’s neighbourhood teams work to tackle issues that people want us to – from anti-social e-bikes to drug-dealing, shoplifting, and more.

In the last year, neighbourhood crime has been reduced by 15% across Greater Manchester – including in each borough – with significant reductions in Stockport (33%), Bury (30%), and Wigan (28%).

In the five years since Sir Stephen Watson joined GMP as Chief Constable, we have seen 600 fewer burglary victims each month, vehicle crime reduced by a quarter, and – across the force – a doubling of arrests, with 72,509 in the year up to April 2026.

Our proactive neighbourhood work contributes greatly to this overall figure, which sees dozens of warrants executed across the force each month, hotspot patrolling, problem-solving action, and more.

This week will see a spotlight on all manner of neighbourhood policing work. While securing arrests and investigating criminality will always take place where necessary, engagement work within communities is equally as vital to improving public confidence and tackling the root causes of crime.

This can take the form of community drop-in sessions such as our Police and Community Together (PACT) meetings, school visits, open days, business visits, charity partnership work, and more.

Throughout the course of the week, you can expect to see an increased police presence, who will all be more than willing to discuss any issues that you have.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, GMP's lead for Local Policing, said: “Neighbourhood policing is a core component of our output across Greater Manchester. These are the officers who know their communities best, know the issues that face people, and are best-placed to tackle those problems in the most efficient way.

“As a force priority, we have delivered on ensuring each area has a named officer, while also securing an uplift of neighbourhood roles across our city-region. Plenty more will be completed in the coming months as we continue to invest in neighbourhood policing and preventative measures.

“This week shines a light on the fantastic work that they do – from the dedication and determination of problem-solving teams to acts of individual brilliance by officers in the thick of it.

“While this is just one-week, this is by no means a one-off. It is something that officers do day-in, day-out, not just here in Greater Manchester, but across the entirety of the UK.”