In response to lockdown, Greater Manchester Police’s City of Manchester district, supported by the force’s Specialist Operations branch, launched multiple operations and deployments to maintain the safety and security of residents, businesses and key workers across Manchester City Centre during this unprecedented time.
These operations include, but are not limited to, continued proactive policing of Piccadilly Gardens and a dedicated 24/7 response to burglaries – with a particular focus on empty business premises.
During a period of pre-planned intensive activity in Piccadilly Gardens at the end of March in to the beginning of April, officers made 24 arrests, seized four weapons as well as a quantity of suspected drugs and carried out 69 stop and searches.
In the last month alone, the operation dedicated to responding to burglaries has resulted in the arrest and charge of 13 individuals. The majority of these individuals were caught on the premises or in the surrounding areas immediately afterwards.
GMP is continuing to work with partner agencies as well as residents and businesses to identify any concerns and develop the operational plans accordingly. This work also involves establishing multi-agency plans for both the day and night time economies once the Government’s restrictions have been lifted.
Chief Inspector Zac Fraser, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “Although the requirements of policing are different at this unprecedented time, keeping Greater Manchester safe and secure for residents, businesses and key workers is, as always, one of our top priorities.
“First and foremost, I would like to use this opportunity to thank the vast majority of people for complying with the Government’s restrictions and observing social distancing to help slow the spread of Covid-19 – subsequently protecting the NHS and saving lives.
“The City of Manchester district takes a tailored approach to policing each area of the city centre and, in accordance with that, we have carefully planned the deployment of both high visibility and covert patrols and utilised specialist, neighbourhood and support officers.
“We are continuing to assist with the work of the Street Engagement Hub and A Bed Every Night by partnering with agencies and adapting to safeguard members of the homeless community and direct them to the appropriate support services to maintain their safety”.
