CITY OF MANCHESTER · DECEMBER 2024
Operation AVRO sees strong results
For over ten years, PCSO John Carew has been running a community football project aimed at tackling ASB and providing regular football sessions for eight to 16-year-olds. Find out more on page eleven.
62 arrests and more than £20k of drugs seized - see more on page two.
Tackling retail crime with new team of student officers In an effort to tackle the increasing issues of retail crime and anti-social behaviour, a new retail crime team has been established in Manchester city centre, particularly focused on the Arndale Shopping Centre. This initiative brings together a group of 40 student officers who are dedicated to patrolling the area, responding to incidents, and providing support to local businesses. Since their launch, they have made a significant impact, leading to an increase in arrests and stop searches. The officers have been well-trained and briefed on current crime patterns, focusing their efforts on the
top 10 prolific offenders known to target the Arndale Centre. In just four months, the new team has made 182 arrests, contributing to a 46% reduction in reported anti-social behaviour incidents and a 22% drop in retail crime overall. Their proactive approach has also resulted in a 6% decrease in burglary compared to last year. Working under the guidance of experienced officers, student officers are gaining valuable skills in areas such as intelligence gathering, interviewing, and problem-solving, all while collaborating with key partners like the anti-social behaviour
action team, out of court disposals and Manchester City Council. By building relationships with retail workers, security personnel, and the public, the retail crime team is not only addressing immediate issues but also creating a safer shopping environment in Manchester.
District information can be found on pages two, eleven and twelve. Force information is pages three - ten.