GMP’s plan to tackle personal robbery

Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) operation dedicated to tackling robberies across Greater Manchester has convicted 38 offenders already this year.

Launched in February 2018, Operation Valiant aims to reduce personal robberies by deterring offenders and advising the public on current risks and different steps they can use to keep themselves safe.

As COVID-19 restrictions have eased nationwide in the last couple of months, there has been a 41% increase in Greater Manchester in personal robbery incidents (between March 2021–July 2021) due to higher footfall in public areas.

However, the Operation Valiant team has been robust in targeting known offenders in order to disrupt their criminality meaning that rates of personal robbery incidents have not returned to pre-COVID levels.

The Valiant team has secured a number of convictions for personal robbery offenders.

This includes a man being jailed for two years in February 2021 for attempted Section 20 assault after he tried to stab a 17-year-old boy at a tram stop.

A 19-year-old was also sentenced to 20 months in custody in May 2021 following his conviction for a series of three robberies on students, as well as a 21-year-old man who was sentenced to 42 months in custody in April 2021 following his conviction for a knife point robbery on a student in Manchester city centre.

A key tool the team use to disrupt persistent offenders are Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs). 

These orders have set conditions, such as excluding them from designated areas, which are designed to stop offenders committing further crime.

Since its formation in 2018, Operation Valiant has issued 38 CBOs. 

During a recent proactive day of action to seize items that could be used in personal robberies, the team recovered three knives, a knuckle duster and a significant amount of class A and B drugs in Manchester city centre.

Superintendent Chris Hill, the force's lead for robbery, said: “As expected, we did see a reduction in incidents of personal robbery in the city centre and across town centres in Greater Manchester due to COVID-19 restrictions resulting in people staying at home where possible and retail stores and hospitality venues closing.

“As these restrictions have gradually been eased over the last few months, the Operation Valiant team has been proactive in ensuring people are kept safe when out and about.

"We have been targeting offenders – securing 101 arrests since January and conducting high visibility patrols to not only reassure the community but send a clear message to offenders –we are watching, and you will be caught. 

“This work will continue as our officers are committed to ensuring that Greater Manchester is a safe place for everyone.

"We will also be sharing messaging and advice with members of the public on how they can help us and stay vigilant so that their belongings are safe.

"We are currently investigating a number of incidents which has seen people fall victim to robbery after arranging to meet a person they believe is selling items they have spotted on social media, so I would ask the public to be vigilant when buying or selling items online and always meet a safe, neutral location."

If you see something suspicious or want to report a crime, you can do so via LiveChat on the GMP website or by calling 101.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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