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A group of 40 student officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are tackling retail crime at the Arndale Shopping Centre.
The new dedicated retail crime team provides visible reassurance to businesses and allows for much faster response times to retail-related crime.
The team has been briefed on crime patterns within retail crime and which prolific offenders are causing the most issues. Since the team’s deployment, the Arndale has witnessed an increase in arrests and stop searches.
The student officers are working under the guidance of more experienced officers. They will learn, develop and become proficient in key skills including intelligence submission and development, interviewing people, file completion and effective problem-solving with key partners including Antisocial Behaviour Action Team, Cityco and out of court disposals.
The Arndale Centre has experienced a six per cent reduction in burglary compared with last year. Overall, officers have made 182 arrests in four months, have seen a reduction of 46% in ASB-reported incidents and 22% reduction in retail crime.
“Our retail crime team addresses the challenges of retail crime and economic growth in Manchester.
“The team specifically targets the Arndale Centre which is our key demand area but also provides invaluable hands-on experience for student officers. From the outset of their careers, these officers are engaged in quality investigations and the development of advanced problem-solving skills.
“The operation is a really good way for new officers to get some experience in taking a job from start to finish, increasing their confidence when it comes to file work and responding to incidents in a busy city centre environment.
“This practical experience is designed to enhance their capabilities and prepare them for their career in GMP. The responses from the public and staff have been very positive and the team are going from strength to strength.”
Stephen Wiggins, Chief Inspector, GMP
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