Crime down and outcomes up in past year

Crime is down and success rates up in past year - as GMP strives for even safer 2026.

Recent statistics revealed by Greater Manchester Police has shown that in the past year, burglary has been reduced by (21 per cent), robbery (16 per cent) and knife crime by (13 per cent).

There have also been clear reductions in serious violence, vehicle offences, and serious and organised crime in prisons. 

There was a total of 10,000 fewer crimes in 2025 thanks, in part, to GMP’s proactive local policing and problem-solving approach to tackling the crimes that matter to the communities. 

This has included local policing initiatives in every Greater Manchester district, such as the Home Office’s Safe 4 Summer and Winter for Action campaigns which have seen increased patrols and marked reductions in shoplifting, theft, and street crime. 

GMP’s proactive approach is seeing more stop-searches and recording more drug offences and traffic offences.  

In the last 12 months, officers have stopped nearly 65,000 people and vehicles and went on to seize 22,500 vehicles and take more than 677 weapons off the streets. 

Police say they have continued its ‘back to basics’ approach that the Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson, has instilled in the force since 2021 to ensure it gives the public the service they deserve. 

This has seen officers answer 999s at an average of five seconds, respond to emergencies in an average of under eight minutes – well within the national 15-minute target – and make more than 70,000 arrests in 2025. 

Last year, police solved more than 47,500 crimes, which is a 15 per cent increase in 2024 and more than double the crime solved before the Chief’s appointment in 2021. 

Retail crime overall remains at similar levels to 2024, but GMP’ crime-fighting approach to shoplifting is seeing 500 offenders being brought to justice every month.  

Operation Vulcan in Derker, Oldham, along with partners are continuing to address long-standing issues and make streets safer, while its monthly Operation Avro has combined daily local crime-fighting with the support of specialist resources to tackle suspects and engage with the public. 

Every area of Greater Manchester has neighbourhood tasking teams to proactively tackle crime, neighbourhood crime teams to bring offenders to justice, neighbourhood policing teams to patrol streets and ensure community safety, and a prevention hub to solve problems and reduce crime. 

Officers responding to concerns from communities affected by hate crime, which saw a more than 10 per cent increase in 2025.  

Police reassured the public that no community should live in fear of hate crime, and they will continue to take a strong stance in 2026. 

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM said: “I continue to be immensely proud of the work of our thousands of hard-working men and women who work all year round to make GMP a tremendous force for good for the people of Greater Manchester. 

“This year’s continued reductions in crime and increases in outcomes show what relentless, community‑focused policing can achieve — fewer victims, safer streets and a force that’s delivering at pace and to a standard the public deserves. 

“But we’re not slowing down. The challenges ahead demand the same determination, the same focus on the basics, and the same partnership with the people we serve. 

“As we move into the new year, our commitment is simple: we will keep working to drive down crime, keep protecting the vulnerable, and keep working every single day to make Greater Manchester an even safer place to live, to work and to visit.” 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "The Chief Constable and his team are firmly focused on making sure everyone feels secure and confident going about their lives in our city region. 

“After years of sustained pressure, Greater Manchester Police is back to where it should be – with the highest number of officers since 2010, and named neighbourhood policing teams in every community. 

“Through their proactive approach to tackling crime through Operation Vulcan and Operation Avro, and their focus on getting the basics right, GMP are out there making a real difference for residents, businesses, and visitors in Greater Manchester." 

Deputy Mayor of Safer Stronger Communities, Kate Green, added: "Greater Manchester Police is making real progress in keeping our communities safe. Faster emergency responses, more crimes solved and a proactive approach to reducing harm are all signs that GMP are continuing the remarkable improvements of recent years. 

“As we look ahead to 2026, we’re determined to build on this momentum. By continuing to support community-focused policing, we can keep driving down crime, protect the most vulnerable and ensure Greater Manchester remains a safe place to live, work and visit."