01/12/2009

Wigan Christmas Crime Crackdown

Police in Wigan have launched Operation Reindeer, aimed at cracking crime during the festive period.

The operation will see police officers focusing on shopping centres during the day to reduce purse theft and shoplifting, and at night they will use early-intervention tactics to reduce disorder.

Greater Manchester Police said extra high-visibility patrols will be conducted to reassure members of the public and to support banks and post offices, and officers will also maintain a strong presence around car parks.

Additional resources, including officers from mounted and tactical aid units, will be available on key dates and ready to intervene at the earliest sign of trouble.

People who have previously committed violent offences have received warning letters urging them to behave, and police will work closely with door-staff across the borough to create a safe environment for revellers.

Chief Inspector Jacqueline Pendlebury, of Greater Manchester Police’s Wigan Division, said: "The success of operations like this often comes down to early police intervention, and our officers will act quickly and robustly to deal with any incidents that threaten public safety."

(PR/GK)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 March 2008
Police Chief's Body Released For Burial
The body of Greater Manchester Police Chief Michael Todd has been released to his family for burial. The 50-year-old married father-of-three was found dead at the foot of cliff near Bwlch Glas in Snowdon north Wales on Tuesday afternoon.
05 December 2006
Community police officer remains critically ill
A police community support officer remains in a critical condition in a Greater Manchester hospital after being stabbed in the neck. Greater Manchester Police said that Gary Etchells, 47, had twice undergone surgery at Tameside General Hospital and was now back in intensive care.
29 November 2006
Police officers shot at in bank robbery
Two police officers have been shot at during an armed bank robbery in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The shooting happened at Barclays Bank on Winter Hey Lane in Horwich on Wednesday morning. A gang of three men had robbed the bank and fled the scene.
16 May 2006
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
26 April 2005
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.