GMP leads in firearm recoveries with no fatal incidents since March 2023

Some of the guns handed in to GMP as part of the firearms surrender scheme

Greater Manchester Police has emerged as the leading force in firearm recoveries across the North West, with 232 illegal firearms seized over the past three years.  Remarkably, the force has not experienced a fatal firearms incident since March 2023.

Proactive policing efforts have led to GMP accounting for 58% of all firearms recoveries in the North West region between 2020 and 2023. As a result, many of the area's most dangerous criminals have been taken off the streets, with convictions totalling nearly 500 years of prison time.

While firearm recoveries have been declining nationwide, GMP has been bucking the trend by increasing the number of seizures.

Thanks to ongoing operations and prevention work, the number of firearms discharges in Greater Manchester has steadily decreased, with the average number of incidents halving over the last year.

Detective superintendent Joe Harrop, head of Serious Organised Crime for GMP, credited the drop in firearms incidents to the force’s proactive efforts. "Our relentless pursuit of those involved in serious violence and firearms-enabled criminality continues, and it is positive to see a reduction in firearms discharges and an increase in recoveries of these fatal weapons," he said.

He also acknowledged the impact on local communities, noting that while most firearms incidents are targeted, they still cause significant fear and anxiety. "Our focus remains on intensifying action, and we will continue to make crucial arrests, execute warrants, recover firearms, and hold those involved to account," he added.

Over the past 12 months, GMP has dismantled several organised criminal networks responsible for firearms and drug trafficking. These efforts have led to convictions and sentences totalling over 300 years in prison.

In one notable case, five men were jailed for 47 years in March 2023 for their roles in purchasing a firearm and conspiring to use it in a retaliatory attack.

The group included Nathan Vanden, a 'professional gangster' who had orchestrated attacks and weapon supply from abroad. Vanden was extradited from the Netherlands after fleeing in 2019 and was sentenced to 26 years in prison for his role as a contracted enforcer.

In another significant operation, seven men were sentenced to nearly 200 years for their involvement in a drugs and firearms importation conspiracy, described as one of the highest-level cases ever encountered by UK law enforcement.

GMP’s investigation led to the recovery of six firearms, including two Skorpion submachine guns, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and millions of pounds' worth of drugs and cash.

The ongoing work to tackle serious crime has continued into 2024, with recent operations seeing two men jailed for 32 years following their involvement in a firearms and drugs conspiracy. The investigation led to the seizure of two guns, a silencer, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

The force’s continued focus on firearm recoveries and targeted operations has not only removed dangerous weapons from the streets but has also significantly reduced the risk of further incidents.