Police are locking up '100 suspects a week' over just one crime (2025)

'Whether you work in a large multinational supermarket or a local corner shop; we are there for you'

Police are locking up as many as '100 suspects a week' in a bid to crackdown on shoplifting in the region.

Nearly 900 arrests have been made and more than 700 charges secured for shoplifting offences across Greater Manchester in 2025, police said.

They added it was part of a 'clampdown' on retail crime that has seen a variety of operations, days of action, and proactive work done to lock up those responsible.

Greater Manchester Police said in 2024, more than 100 shoplifters were brought to justice every week, with more than 5,000 shoplifting offences in the year up to November 2024 being solved – a huge increase on recent years.

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In total, 893 arrests were made in the three months up until 3 April 2025, with a further 707 charges in that same period.

Supt Cara Charlesworth, force lead for retail crime, said: “Every year we strive to improve our service to our business community across Greater Manchester, I am really pleased with the progress that has been made over the last couple of years and the partnership work that is going from strength to strength.”

“This year alone, we have secured hundreds of arrests and charges, and at times last year, we were locking up 100 suspects every single week. This momentum has continued into 2025 with solved rates for retail crime continuing to rise.”

“We completely understand the frustrations that businesses have when it comes to shoplifters, and I want to reassure them that we stand firmly alongside them. Whether you work in a large multinational supermarket or a local corner shop; we are there for you.

“I would urge any stores with any ongoing issues to get in touch with their local neighbourhood team, as they will be best-placed to help with your queries.”

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