More than 750 people arrested in crime crackdown

More than 750 people have been arrested during a police force's targeted winter crime crackdown.

Greater Manchester Police said about a third of those detained during its Winter of Action campaign had been for suspected anti-social behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said this number included anti-social and inconsiderate driving involving the use of e-bikes and off-road bikes.

He said that while anti-social behaviour "can be seen as low level... we also know that it can lead to some quite significant incidents" and that was why it was a priority for the force.

Boyle said anti-social behaviour was "something that's visible in our communities" and the force was determined to reduce and tackle the problem.

He said the ages of those involved ranged from about 12 right up to adults who are "maybe in the night-time economy, maybe intoxicated".

Boyle said that while 750 arrests might not seem a lot when compared to the force's total of about 7,000 in December, they had been made in specific small areas that had been identified as having high amounts of incidents and crime.

"We are targeting those issues and we are making big reductions in crime and incidents," he said.

Boyle said 100 arrests had also been made in relation to serious violent crime and about 140 for retail crime.

"Our ultimate aim is to make our town and city centres safer," he added.

Boyle said the winter crime crackdown involved working with local businesses.

Despite them reporting an increased footfall during the festive season, retail crime fell by 10% compared with December 2024.

The Winter of Action campaign, which runs until the end of January, is a Home Office initiative that all police forces are taking part in.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.