GMP to sweep up criminals in a big spring clean

Greater Manchester Police is preparing to welcome the county’s most wanted criminals as part of a big spring clean to sweep offenders off our streets.

Officers are working across Greater Manchester as part of an operation to ensure that crime does not peak over the spring holiday period. At a time where an increase in antisocial behaviour, burglary and robbery is often seen, GMP will be making the area a hostile environment for criminals.

Part of the operation will be focused on working with partners to provide support for vulnerable victims. Officers from the public protection department will be targeting offenders of vulnerability crime such as sex offences in order to take positive action against them.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett said: “This operation is about cleaning up our streets and sweeping up crime. If you are wanted by the police, I would advise you to turn yourself in or you will find yourself a target for our spring clean.

“Today marks the beginning of an operation, where criminals will be hearing the sound of wham rams forcefully knocking at their front doors. Officers from every division will be targeting offenders who commit any type of crime and threaten any of our communities.

“At this time of year, as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer we generally see an increase in anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime such as robbery and burglary – particularly through people leaving windows and doors open or sheds and garages unlocked after spending time outside.

"We ask that you look out for each other, you take care of your personal belongings and that you report any antisocial behaviour to your neighbourhood teams so we can deal with the problem.”

Officers from the tactical aid unit, traffic, ANPR officers, mounted police, dog handlers and special constables will be out supporting each of the divisions on seeking out their most wanted.

An ad-van will be out across Greater Manchester to name and shame offenders and encourage them to turn themselves in.

Neighbourhood teams will be engaging with local communities and street cleaning projects will be taking place in some areas with partners and community payback teams.

Help to sweep up criminals by reporting anything suspicious to police on 999 or the non-emergency number 101 or report information online by visiting GMP’s website www.gmp.police.uk. If you have any information that you would like to report anonymously you can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.