Police launch festive initiative to help combat crime and anti-social behaviour

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched Operation North Star – an initiative to help protect communities during the festive period and bring criminals to justice.

This is aligned to the government’s “Winter of Action” plan, which was recently unveiled by Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, following the success of the government’s Safer Streets summer initiative.   

Action for Winter activity will see police forces partner with local businesses, authorities and crime commissioners to target shop theft and anti-social behaviour, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to make streets safer.  

This force wide operation will demonstrate GMP’s commitment to keeping people and their property safe during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods in local policing.

Bringing together neighbourhood policing teams, specialist departments and partner agencies across Greater Manchester, officers are committed to delivering both prevention and enforcement activities in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.    

A key date within the eight-week initiative was the launch of the Manchester Christmas Markets, with it being a key attraction to residents from Greater Manchester and those visiting from further afield. 

With millions of people expected to descend on the hundreds of stalls, increased resources from GMP have been allocated to keep the markets a safe and enjoyable space for all.    

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, GMP’s lead for Local Policing, said: ““Our priority will be strengthening engagement with local communities to hear their concerns and respond effectively. Residents and business owners can expect greater visibility of officers and partners as we work together to ensure a safe winter for everyone.   

“During last year’s festive operation, we made 784 arrests, which was an increase on both 2022 and 2023. This isn’t about limiting people’s enjoyment - it’s about creating an environment where everyone can have a good time without feeling unsafe or at risk of harm.   

“We will work tirelessly to ensure everyone can do this by having the right resources in the right places at the right times, to help the most vulnerable and to provide a swift and effective response to incidents when they occur.”  

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “We’re backing our frontline officers and partner agencies to be visible and proactive - preventing anti-social behaviour and crime and making our neighbourhoods places where people feel confident walking home, enjoying time with family and friends, and shopping locally. 

“This operation reflects our shared commitment in our ‘Standing Together’ police and crime plan and supports the Greater Manchester Strategy’s ambition for safer communities - where people feel secure, supported, and connected. 

“I want to reassure residents and visitors that officers and partners are out there not just to respond to incidents, but to prevent harm, offer support, and help build the kind of communities we all want to live in - safe, inclusive, and resilient this winter and beyond.” 

To report crime in your neighbourhood, contact the police via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling 101 or dialling 999 in an emergency.