A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of shoplifting in Manchester City Centre is also being question by police about a number of offences in Bolton.

Police arrested the man today (Saturday).

A spokesman for GMP Bolton South Neighbourhood team said: "A wanted male aged 28 has been arrested today in Manchester City Centre after officers believed he had stolen items from a nearby store.

"He is also wanted in connection with 25 offences in the Farnworth and Kearsley areas of Bolton, and a further 5 offences in Salford.

"The male has been arrested on suspicion of 27 shoplifting offences, common assault, fear of violence and a domestic assault.

"He remains in custody for questioning."

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Police in Bolton are working to crackdown on shoplifting.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) team deploy newly recruited officers, supported by senior officers, into Bolton town centre over the last few months to help support security staff and identify theft hotspots.

Since officers set up a dedicated taskforce to tackle the crime, there has been a large number of arrests made for shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglaries across the borough.

This follows on from 2023’s successes, which saw countless arrests and charges for shoplifting and retail-related crimes.

The Bolton shoplifting team – which is comprised of new recruits being taught by seasoned officers – has seen the younger officers deployed around Bolton for a five-week period, before moving on to further operations or patches.

The new officers are able to see through a crime from arrest to charge and sentencing, helping them learn the basics of policing while tackling shoplifters.