Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are celebrating three years since they launched Operation Venture, a targeted scheme which aims to tackle knife crime.

Since then, GMP has made 958 arrests, recovered 284 weapons, and seized £780,000 in cash.

The operation worked by deploying patrols and extra resources to 'hotspot' areas, based on intelligence.

GMP said work involved "proactively looking to prevent, deter, reduce, and tackle knife crime head on, and at the root causes".

Superintendent Richard Thompson, who leads GMP's response to knife crime and serious violence said: "Knife crime has no place in our communities and on our streets. We know how devastating the impact knife crime can cause on families, and the wider community.

"Operation Venture was set up to tackle the knife crime head-on and they are specially selected and ring-fenced to respond to serious violence, working across Greater Manchester helping to detect and deter violent crime.

A police officer disposes of knives which have been taken off the streets (Image - GMP)

"Over the past three years, the team have dedicated over 37,000 hours to proactive patrolling around key hotspot locations, seizing weapons, making arrests and keeping the streets of Greater Manchester safer.

"As a force compared to last year, knife crime is down 10% with over 470 fewer crimes and October 2025 saw 61 positive stop-searches per day across the force which includes those from our dedicated team.

"We cannot tackle knife crime alone however and rely on intelligence from our communities. Intelligence given to us, either directly or through anonymous channels helps us to understand our hotspot areas and ensure our teams are tackling the concerns and issues that matter to you. I would encourage anyone who has information relating to knife crime and serious violence to speak out.

"We are committed to tackling knife crime head on, and with your support we can continue to arrest people, take weapons off the streets and keep people safe."

GMP encouraged anybody with information on knife crime to report it - you can do so via gmp.police.uk or 101.

Anonymous reports can also be made via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and 11-17-year-olds can make anonymous reports via Fearless.org.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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