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Community engagement events
As part of Operation North Star, GMP’s commitment to strengthen policing over the festive period, Corporate Communications, with the support from each district, will be hosting a series of roadshow-style events within the local community.
These events are an opportunity to engage with the public, offer crime prevention advice and materials, introduce them to their local neighbourhood police officer, and encourage sign-ups to our community engagement tool, Bee in the Loop.
Christmas magic faced a slight bump in the road this morning (Tuesday 9 December 2025) when Santa’s sleigh broke down on the way to Tameside General Hospital.
But all was not lost, because when Santa needed a helping hand, our Neighbourhood Policing Team were ready to save the day!
With gifts waiting to be delivered to some of the bravest children in our community, our officers sprang into action, using their quick thinking, ensuring Santa didn’t miss his important appointment.
The presents that Santa had in his sack were bought from tuck shop money used by the officers at Ashton Police Station. Selection boxes, sweets and other confectionary were handed out to the children at Tameside Hospital.
The officers also managed to get some selection boxes donated from B&M and Iceland stores within Ashton Town Centre.
The festive fix wasn’t just about helping Santa with his sleigh, it was about bringing joy, laughter, and a little sparkle to children spending Christmas in hospital.
Thankfully, Santa did make it to the hospital, with our officers alongside hospital staff, making sure every child received their gift and a visit from the big man himself.
Heartwarming moments like this, reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about presents, it’s about community, kindness, and coming together when it matters most.
Sergeant Rob Froggatt from our Tameside Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “When we got the call that Santa was in trouble, we knew we couldn’t let Christmas be cancelled.
“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces who will unfortunately be spending their Christmas in or at hospital, made it all worthwhile.
“Whether it’s lending the big man a hand when his sleigh needs a pit stop, we are always ready to keep the festive spirit alive.
“So, if you hear sleigh bells and see blue lights this Christmas, don’t worry - it’s just Santa getting a little extra help from his friends in uniform.”
As part of Operation North Star, neighbourhood officers and police staff were at Ellesmere Shopping Centre, Walkden on Tuesday 25 November, providing crime prevention advice, giveaways, and materials to help keep residents and their property safe this festive period.
Staff and volunteers from Greater Manchester Police’s Economic Crime Unit also hosted a pop-up fraud prevention event in Lloyds Bank to help shoppers stay safe from online scams and fraudulent listings.
Officers from Ashton-under-Lyne's neighbourhood team were out in the town centre on Friday 28 November as part of Operation North Star.
Residents were provided with practical crime prevention advice and a range of informative materials and giveaways designed to help keep our community safe.
The event offered an opportunity for members of the public to speak directly with the team, gain valuable insights into personal and property security, and learn how we can work together to reduce crime.
Bury's recent Community Engagement Stall was a great opportunity to connect with residents and share practical steps for crime prevention.
Residents received a variety of resources and guidance aimed at helping everyone keep safe.
The event highlighted the importance of working in partnership to reduce crime and protect people.
Staff and volunteers from the force's Economic Crime Unit also hosted a pop-up fraud prevention event to help keep shoppers safe from online scams and fraudulent listings over the festive period and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who braved the elements and visited our recent Community Safety Stall on Thursday 4 December.
The event provided the local neighbourhood policing team with the opportunity to share practical crime prevention advice and distribute useful resources to help residents protect themselves and their property.
Rochdale town centre's neighbourhood policing team hosted a community engagement event in the town centre, aimed at strengthening community safety and crime prevention.
During the event, residents received practical advice on protecting themselves and their property, along with a range of informative materials and free resources.
The initiative also provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak directly with the team, ask questions, and learn how to reduce crime and increase personal safety.
Officers from Wigan were out in Wigan on Thursday 11 December as part of Operation North Star.
Members of the public were provided with crime prevention advice and a range of informative materials and giveaways designed to help keep people safe.
Neighbourhood officers were on hand throughout to provide crime prevention advice, deal with any reports or concerns, and sign members of the public up to Bee in the Loop.