Neighbourhood Officers Crack Down on Shoplifting with Over 3,600 Arrests in 12 Months

Greater Manchester Police have made more than 3,600 arrests for shoplifting in a landmark year of enforcement and prevention.

Image: Greater Manchester Police

Neighbourhood officers across the region have significantly intensified their efforts to combat retail crime, resulting in a 50% year-on-year increase in arrests – rising from 2,400 to 3,631 between April 2024 and March 2025.

Of those arrested, 1,938 were charged and remanded, and a further 957 charged and bailed, marking 38.1% and 63.3% increases respectively compared to the previous year. The uplift in enforcement has led to a 59% rise in solved outcomes, reflecting a more robust and coordinated policing approach to retail crime.

In the latest figures from May 2025 alone, 261 arrests were made, with 192 individuals charged, signalling continued momentum ahead of this year’s Neighbourhood Week of Action.

National Focus on Shoplifting: 25 June Action Day

Today, Wednesday 25 June, marks a dedicated day of action on the issue of shoplifting as part of the Neighbourhood Week of Action 2025. Officers across every GMP district are carrying out targeted operations, enforcement, and engagement work with both local businesses and vulnerable individuals.

This includes:

High-visibility and covert patrols in retail hotspots, often in partnership with store security teams.

Community engagement and support for vulnerable individuals, including referrals to charities, hostels, and food banks, as well as coordination with homelessness services.

Sharing best practice across districts and nationally, with each neighbourhood having a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for shoplifting-related issues.

Collaboration with specialist GMP teams, such as CID, prevention units, and tactical support, including sniffer dog operations and warrants to tackle organised retail theft.

Strategic and Compassionate Policing

Superintendent Cara Charlesworth, GMP’s Force Lead for Retail Crime, praised the sustained efforts of neighbourhood teams:

“Our improvements over the last couple of years are down to the dedicated efforts of local neighbourhood teams, who work closely with businesses to identify issues that they are facing and provide bespoke advice and plans.

“While we make hundreds of arrests, we also work closely with partners to better understand why people are committing these crimes. In many cases, we are able to provide support to vulnerable individuals, offering advice and routes to help based on their unique situations.”

“As part of Neighbourhood Week of Action, teams will be conducting everything from proactive patrols to targeted days of action, and I fully anticipate further great results coming from the day.

“If you are a local business owner, or work in a store and want assistance, please do get in touch with your local team, who will do their absolute best to tackle the issues you face.”

Support for Retailers

Greater Manchester Police is encouraging businesses affected by theft to contact their local neighbourhood policing team. Officers are committed to delivering a bespoke service, tailored to the specific needs and challenges retailers face in each community.

With shoplifting a growing national concern, GMP’s year-on-year improvement is being held up as an example of how focused neighbourhood policing, strategic partnerships, and community support can deliver real and lasting results.