Neil Wilby Media

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) proudly stands out as the sole police force in the UK with two problem-solving initiatives named finalists in the prestigious Tilley Awards, a national accolade that acknowledges and celebrates outstanding examples of effective policing interventions.

One of their distinguished finalists, initially launched in Bolton during 2021, arose in response to pressing community concerns about knife crime and robbery. Through a collaborative approach, GMP successfully secured a public safety protection order, coupled with strategic environmental enhancements such as improved lighting, the installation of new fencing, and alley gates. As a result, this initiative has witnessed a remarkable 72% reduction in robberies.

Their second notable finalist, codenamed Operation Vulcan, took flight in November 2022. It was crafted as GMP’s robust response to combat counterfeit trade and organized criminality deeply embedded in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways. Over a mere eleven months, The operation boasts a staggering achievement of confiscating over 1,000 tonnes of counterfeit items, equivalent to a mind-boggling £137 million in value. The operation has also led to more than 200 arrests, the seizure of 1.5 million illicit prescription drugs, the confiscation of over £400,000 in cash, and a commendable reduction of violent crime in the area by more than 50%.

The ultimate winner of the Tilley Awards will be unveiled during the forthcoming National Problem-Solving Conference, hosted by South Yorkshire Police from October 3rd to October 5th, 2023.

Chief Superintendent Emma Taylor, Head of the Prevention Branch and the Strategic Lead for Problem Solving, shared her enthusiasm, stating: “I am thrilled that we have two finalists this year. It is a huge achievement for GMP and further evidence of our journey as the most improved force in the country. The awards showcase the very best examples of problem solving in policing throughout the country. We were the only force in the UK to have more than one problem solving initiative in the shortlist of 10. This all highlights our commitment to becoming a police force with prevention and problem solving at our core, and the fantastic progress we have made in this regard. We know that problem solving is very effective at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and keeping our communities safe. Having two initiatives make the final is a great example of how we have worked with our partners to achieve excellent results.”

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Page last updated: Thursday 7th September, 2023 at 19h45

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