More police patrols are planned for Manchester city centre following the mayhem that hit Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, and St Peter’s Square last week.
Now, in a joint statement from Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council, the authorities say the patrols are building on a ‘robust plan to deal with any disorder in the city centre over the summer period’. They have been drawn up by the antisocial behaviour action team (ASBAT), and will target ‘hotspots and key busy areas’, with cops in support to ensure those visiting Manchester are safe.
The two bodies say there has been ‘understandable concern’ over the last few days due to the disorder, and are now seeking to reassure businesses, residents, and visitors that they ‘don't have to put up with antisocial behaviour’, specifically violence or threats; racist, homophobic and other hate behaviour; property damage; or abusive or foul language.
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“We create patrol plans based on demand and regularly patrol areas of Manchester City Centre, including Piccadilly Gardens, with dedicated neighbourhood officers speaking to members of the local community, visitors to the city centre, local business owners, store assistants and security about any concerns they have about crime and personal safety,” said Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Team.
“By putting neighbourhood officers where you need them most is an integral part in keeping our communities safe, and helps prevent potential offenders and people re-offending. We act on reports in a swift manner and will focus on our approach to deploy further resources when it is necessary.
“Our aim is to make sure we provide a visible presence, listening to concerns from the community and making sure everyone who wants to visit the city centre can do so safely.”
Yesterday, GMP released images of four people they want to speak to in relation to chaos on Monday (July 24) evening. The council’s Deputy Leader, Luthfur Rahman, has backed the move.
"These high visibility patrols underline our joint message that antisocial behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated here and that residents, visitors and businesses can be reassured that we are taking active steps to prevent and deter it - while supporting the police's actions to bring perpetrators to justice,” he added.
"The city centre is the busiest and highest profile part of the city so it's inevitable that when incidents, however rare, occur there they are more prominent. Our city centre is rightly celebrated as a vibrant and varied place to spend time and together with the police we are determined to ensure that remains the case."
To report any anti-social behaviour that is affecting you, please call GMP on 101 in the first instance and 999 when in an emergency. Information can also be submitted by clicking here.
Alternatively, details can be passed on to the City Council direct who will share details with GMP based at the Town Hall by calling 0161 234 4612, emailing asb.action.team@manchester.gov.uk or visiting Crime, antisocial behaviour and nuisance | Manchester City Council
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