100 arrested in Police crack down

Almost 100 arrests have been made in a major Christmas crackdown on crime across Greater Manchester.

The raids are taking place today (Wednesday 9 December) over a 24 hour period, hunting down criminals who have outstanding warrants.

The crackdown hopes to ensure that the people of Greater Manchester have a merrier Christmas; the raids are chiefly targeting those wanted for theft, burglary and robbery offences.

Already, 94 people have been arrested this morning and are currently being dealt with either by police or by other law enforcement agencies.

Suspects have been arrested for robbery, violence, theft, burglary and other offences.

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, said: "We now want to capitalise on the success of other recent days of action.

"In the run up to Christmas criminals often feel desperate and will stop at nothing to steal and rob to feed their habits or for plain greed.

"Today we are sending out a powerful message to criminals that we know who they are and we are coming to get them.

"We want this operation to boost public confidence at a time when they often feel most vulnerable, while at the same time, putting fear and uncertainty into the minds of criminals."

The operation involves almost a third of all GMP officers and staff, and officers of all ranks from the Deputy Chief Constable to Police Community Support Officers have been deployed onto the streets.

Where appropriate, prisoners arrested who have had warrants previously issued will be taken directly to court so they are not clogging up the custody system. Some offenders will be dealt with through alternative means such as fixed penalty notices.

999 calls and day-to-day policing will not be affected. Response teams are not being directed away from their day-to-day duties so the public will not experience any delays as a result of the operation.

Anyone with information about outstanding offenders is asked to call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.