City Centre Newsletter

Commercial

Robbery at Selfridges! On the 19 September at around 7:20pm, 3 men wearing balaclavas and high visibility work wear entered Selfridges. The 3 men brandishing an axe and crowbars proceeded to smash a number of glass cabinets before making off with approximately 100 watches to the value of 500,000. The 3 men were then driven away by a fourth male in a black Mercedes Benz. The vehicle was then found abandoned in the Strangeways area. Detective constable Adam Cronshaw, said: "This was a brazen robbery while the store was open and busy with members of the public. It was clearly well planned and executed. These men were in and out in less than 80 seconds and were very particular about the watches they selected. "I am appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible or has overhead someone talking about this robbery - either before or after it happened - to contact us in absolute confidence. CCTV of the offenders can be viewed on the main GMP website along with images of the types of watches stolen.

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Jail for alcoholic who kicked dog! Patrick Reilly, 51 has been jailed by Manchester City Magistrates Court after being fuelled with drink in company with others on Thomas St in the City he proceeded to kick a dog. The neighbourhood team in the City will not tolerate this disgusting behaviour, Reilly was arrested at the scene and has since been sentenced to prison. I can confirm that Lady the dog is now gladly back with its rightful owner and is making a speedy recovery. This behaviour amongst other concerns raised by the community has sparked the team into enough is enough approach and starting Monday this week all members of the NQ team are working late shifts for the next 2 months to tackle this issue in numbers. We hope businesses and residents will see a significant improvement in the area over the coming weeks. To finish! Some of you may be aware there was a large police presence around Church St/Birchin Lane of Sunday morning just gone. Police attended the Light Boutique Aparthotel around 11:30am after reports a woman had fallen several floors from a balcony. A large police presence & medical teams arrived within a few minutes however the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this womans death, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

Northern Quarter

Southern Gateway
Crimes down! Operation Prolific which was our student freshers operation has drawn to a close this week, leaving in its wake some fantastic results. Officers from the neighbourhood team lead the operation with high visibility & plain clothes patrol as well as giving crime prevention talks and conducting license premises visits. Compared to last year crime in the area week on week is down 60%. This has been through robust policing will early intervention leading to over 200 persons stop checked and 13 arrests ranging from breach of bail to robbery and possession of drugs. It remains foot flat to the floor for the team with this week seeing the team welcome the Labour party conference back to Manchester Central. Officers from GMPs TAU, dogs, firearms, mounted unit and neighbourhood have all been involved in this years th security operation. The 24hr operation is expected to draw to a close on the 4 October. Should you see anything suspicious please ring 101.

0161 856 3221

a1apt@gmp.police.uk

@gmpcitycentre

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Beware Fagans about! Pick-pocket offences are on the increase around the bus stops and tram platforms in and around Piccadilly Gardens. Key times for these types of offences are in particular between 4pm 6pm. To tackle this we have enlisted the support of our undercover pro-active unit who will be in amongst the crowds over the coming weeks to deter and lock-up those responsible. Alongside the undercover teams high visibility uniformed patrols will be providing reassurance in the area. We would like to reiterate how important common sense, crime prevention is. Please avoid using your phone, iPods and other devices at busy bus and tram stops. Thieves like to watch where victims store their property and know where to target when they strike BEWARE. Finally! PCSO Wood gave a presentation on disability hate crime to service users and staff at Breakthrough Support. PSCO Wood went through definitions of hate crime, how to report hate crime and where to get support if anyone became a victim of hate crime. If you would like any crime prevention advice whether it is for employees or residents please do contact the team on a1apy@gmp.police.uk F.A.O Piccadilly team.

Piccadilly Gardens

The Village

Somebodys got their eye on you! Or is it youre property there really after? Hugger muggers prey on the drunk, don't be fooled. Thefts from party goers top the bill! This week has seen yet another increase in theft from person offences around the Village area topping 10 for the week with 8 of these being between 1am 3am. Please be switched on to your surroundings and remember the basics to not advertise your stuff to thieves. If you have a smart phone does it have a passcode lock? Or even a tracker app? If not why not, there usually FREE and it could assist you in getting your property back. Finally if you have a burning issue or just want some advice in confidence the team are on hand every Thursday at Lesbian & Gay Foundation on Richmond Street, between 6pm 8pm. The police advice surgery is open to anyone in the City Centre and is your only weekly surgery so why not pop along for a chat.

Drugs warrant! Our very own undercover pro-active unit this week executed a warrant on Princess Street which led to the arrest of 1 man and 4 women for possession with intent to supply class A drugs after a quantity of cocaine was found in the premises. The group have since been bailed while the investigation continues. Despite warnings there was a robbery at the Natwest ATM last week. Thanks to eagle eyed CCTV and the quick reactions and local knowledge of undercover officers PC Clancy and McKee the offender was arrested close to the scene. Please be aware of your surroundings, if you see someone or something suspicious dont use the machine or cancel your transaction immediately and walk away before ringing the police. Finally! We hope everyone enjoyed the mid autumn festival that drew to a close on Monday.

China Town

Castlefield

Vicious robbery! A female was subjected to a horrendous robbery on the 2 October at 9:50am whilst walking along the canal tow-path towards the City around the Dukes 92 area. The unknown offender approached the lone woman from behind and punched her in the throat forcing the female to the ground. The offender then held her by the throat before stealing her handbag and contents before making off along the tow-path away from the City. Despite this being an isolated incident its crucial we catch this dangerous individual. The incident happened at a time when the area would have been busy with people attending work in offices in the area, and its these people we urge to come forward with any snippets of information they may have. Have you seen a male fitting the description in the area? Did you see anyone loitering about? The male is described as Black male, Green parker style coat with the hood up and blue jeans. If you know anything please ring 101 or crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Should you have any concerns or are worried in relation to personal safety in the area please contact the team on 0161 856 3221 or email a1apt@gmp.police.uk.

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0161 856 3221

a1apt@gmp.police.uk

@gmpcitycentre