A new neighbourhood police team in Bolton has secured more than 1,000 arrests since it was established as part of  new approach to policing in the borough.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson pledged to increase the arrest rate across Greater Manchester as part of a 'back to basics' approach when he took up his post.

Part of that plan included investment in neighbourhood policing and the re-opening of the Bolton custody suite. 

Since the introduction of the Neighbourhood Tasking Team in Bolton two years ago, the unit has been responsible for 1,012 arrests in 24 months - 508 arrests in 2022 and 504 in 2023 – with a particular focus on domestic violence offenders. 

Operations in Bolton have included Avro, a day of action that involves resources from across GMP in a targeted day of action that resulted in 96 arrests, warrants following violence after the Bolton-Wigan match in August 2023 and ‘wanted’ Christmas cards sent to outstanding offenders. 

Working with Bolton Council Trading Standards, more than 45,000 illegal vapes have also been seized during visits to 250 premises. 

Superintendent Danny O’Neil said: “We won’t tolerate criminal behaviour in Bolton and will stamp it out at every opportunity.  

“The Neighbourhood Tasking Team was brought in to focus on protecting our vulnerable people.  

The Bolton News: Neighbourhood Tasking TeamNeighbourhood Tasking Team (Image: GMP)

“Throughout this past two years the team has relentlessly pursued hundreds of DA perpetrators, arresting them and making sure they appear before the courts.  

“They have also executed numerous warrants targeting sex offenders who prey on young people.

“The team has excelled beyond what we thought they would achieve through dedication to their craft and excellent leadership. 

“Their activities then feed into our wider neighbourhood policing, creating space for my neighbourhood officers, who can be seen out on the streets, and use the information they gather to target criminals and build up that bigger picture.

"That can be used to target those who harm our communities and are actively committing burglary, robbery and vehicle crime offences.  

“This focus has seen a good increase in the number of charges within the last 12 months for these crimes.” 

Information about crimes can be reported via www.gmp.police.uk or 101, or shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999. 

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.