Operation North Star

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched Operation North Star – our initiative to help protect communities during the festive period and bring criminals to justice. 

This morning the Newton Heath Neighbourhood Policing team were targeting dangerous drivers along Rochdale Road.

This is aligned to the government’s “Winter of Action” plan, which was recently unveiled by the Home Secretary following the success of the government’s Safer Streets summer initiative.  

Action for Winter activity will see police forces partner with local businesses, authorities, and police and crime commissioners to target shop theft and anti-social behaviour, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to make our streets safer. 

This forcewide operation will demonstrate our commitment to keeping people and their property safe during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods in local policing. Bringing together neighbourhood policing teams, specialist departments, and partner agencies across Greater Manchester, we are committed to deliver both prevention and enforcement activities in the lead up to Christmas and into the New Year. 

A key date within the eight-week initiative was the launch of the Manchester Christmas Markets, with it being a key attraction to residents from Greater Manchester and those visiting from further afield. With millions of people expected to descend on the hundreds of stalls, increased resources from GMP have been allocated to keep the markets a safe and enjoyable space for all. 

Our officers and partners will be more visible as we work together across problematic areas to tackle priority crime types, including: 

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, GMP’s lead for Local Policing, said: “In 2025, we welcomed the government’s pledge for stronger and safer streets in Greater Manchester through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.  Operation North Star aligns to the government’s Winter of Action initiative and our commitment to working in unison with partners to reduce crime and protect the communities we serve.  

“Our priority will be strengthening engagement with local communities to hear their concerns and respond effectively. Residents and business owners can expect greater visibility of officers and partners as we work together to ensure a safe winter for everyone.  

“During last year’s festive operation, we made 784 arrests, which was an increase on both 2022 and 2023. This isn’t about limiting people’s enjoyment - it’s about creating an environment where everyone can have a good time without feeling unsafe or at risk of harm.  

“We will work tirelessly to ensure everyone can do this by having the right resources in the right places at the right times, to help the most vulnerable, and to provide a swift and effective response to incidents when they occur.” 

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Operation North Star is about making sure everyone in Greater Manchester can enjoy the festive season safely.

“We’re backing our frontline officers and partner agencies to be visible and proactive - preventing anti-social behaviour and crime and making our neighbourhoods places where people feel confident walking home, enjoying time with family and friends, and shopping locally.

“This operation reflects our shared commitment in our ‘Standing Together’ police and crime plan and supports the Greater Manchester Strategy’s ambition for safer communities - where people feel secure, supported, and connected.

“I want to reassure residents and visitors that officers and partners are out there not just to respond to incidents, but to prevent harm, offer support, and help build the kind of communities we all want to live in - safe, inclusive, and resilient this winter and beyond.”

To report crime in your neighbourhood, contact the police via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling 101 or dialling 999 in an emergency.