More than 750 people have been arrested across Greater Manchester - including Stockport - as part of a winter crime crackdown.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been carrying out a 'crime blitz' since December, aiming to 'decisively' deal with issues such as retail crime, anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, and the night-time economy.

As well as increased patrols, the campaign has also comprised drop-in sessions for the community, and town centre stalls.

The Christmas and New Year periods see higher footfall and, as GMP said, "an increase in parties can contribute to crime in its various forms".

Darker nights can also present risks around anti-social behaviour and the safety of women and girls.

The operation, backed by the UK Home Office, will continue throughout January.

GMP has said that the arrest count for the campaign has exceeded 750, with approximately a third of those arrests coming from anti-social behaviour offences. 

Around 140 of the arrests are for retail crime offences, with 100 for serious violent crime.

As well as regular patrols, GMP also held community stalls where the public could ask questions (Image - GMP)

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, GMP's lead for Local Policing, said: "From anti-social behaviour blighting the lives of law-abiding residents to shoplifters committing crimes in our town centres, the ongoing action is ensuring those responsible for crimes are arrested and receive the appropriate punishment.

"The hard work of officers across Greater Manchester's districts has ensured the policing results that we've seen so far: thousands of visible hours which has seen officers out on the streets, a decrease in retail crime, and plenty of positive outcomes across the board.

"The contributions of our local councils and communities have been invaluable, showing that a concentrated and targeted partnership operation can deliver results for people across our districts. From the GMCA's Safer Stronger team to local businesses, so many people have enabled the successes of the first month."

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Safer Stronger Communities, said: "Keeping people safe is our top priority, and these results show what can be achieved when Greater Manchester Police, councils, businesses and communities work together.

"The Winter of Action has delivered a clear focus on the crimes that matter most to residents while providing a strong, visible police presence at a time of year when people need reassurance.

"This work is about prevention as well as enforcement, and I want to thank officers and partners across Greater Manchester for their continued commitment to keeping our streets safe throughout the winter and beyond."

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