Across December 2024, 296 arrests relating to shoplifting and theft from businesses were recorded force-wide, resulting in 221 being charged, with 133 remanded at the time of their arrest.
Others were dealt with via other methods, including street warnings, community resolutions, and signposting to the appropriate resources where necessary.
Neighbourhood teams across the force are committed to tackling retail crime, ensuring the safety of staff, and assisting stores as they continue to combat the issues arising from shoplifters.
In Manchester city centre, Op Grinch ran from 6 December to 24 December, seeing 28 arrests, 11 stop-searches, and 14 community resolutions.
Manchester city centre features numerous stores including a shopping centre, market, flagship branches and numerous independent businesses.
Working with partners within the centre has meant a refreshed and renewed approach to tackling crime, including the introduction of a dedicated team to monitor shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Across 2025, GMP will continue to tackle retail crime in all its form across every single district, utilising all appropriate resources to combat problems from all necessary angles.
This includes working with partners, store security to enhance layout, charities, and specialist teams within the force where necessary.
