Castlefield: Protecting Businesses from Burglary & Prevention Advice

Castlefield: Protecting Businesses from Burglary & Prevention Advice

Over the past 2 weeks, there has been a notable increase in burglary and robbery offences across Manchester City Centre, particularly within the Spinningfields, Arndale and the Ancoats areas.

A series of incidents were identified whereby a male suspect targeted commercial premises and attempted, and in several cases succeeded, in stealing expensive alcoholic drinks and clothing items from retail stores. Thanks to the businesses and restaurants that were affected, CCTV evidence was obtained and reviewed quickly, allowing PC 08763 ALI the opportunity to issue out an arrest for this wanted male. Since then, he has been arrested for a number of burglary offences, shoplifting, assault and Breach of CBO (Criminal Behaviour Order). The suspect has been charged with all offences, barring the burglary offences. However, he is on police bail till January 2027, with a 12 month suspended sentence.

While this investigation relates to a single offender, their actions impacted five major retail premises within Manchester City Centre, causing significant disruption to businesses, staff and customers. Especially as we are now heading into the festive period, it is imperative that businesses and security are more alert and doing everything they can to keep trading safely.

With that in mind, we would encourage business managers to follow the crime prevention measures outlined below.
Experience shows that where basic security checks and procedures are not consistently followed, offenders are more likely to identify opportunities and repeatedly target premises.

⭐⭐⭐ Business Burglary Prevention Advice ⭐⭐⭐

Businesses are encouraged to take the following measures to reduce the risk of burglary and theft:

No.1 Issue currently is locks/doors/shutters remaining open, especially when goods are being delivered.

Ensure all CCTV systems are operational, regularly maintained and provide clear facial identification images.

Install and maintain effective alarm systems, ensuring they are routinely tested.

Secure high-value stock, particularly alcohol, designer clothing and other easily resold items, in monitored or restricted areas.

Conduct regular stock audits and report any discrepancies promptly.

Ensure cash is removed from tills overnight and stored in a secure safe.

Improve external and internal lighting to reduce opportunities for offenders to operate unnoticed.

Encourage staff vigilance and ensure suspicious behaviour is reported immediately via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Consider the use of body-worn cameras, security tagging and local retail radio schemes where available.

Share intelligence, CCTV footage and offender descriptions with neighbouring businesses and local policing teams to support ongoing investigations. CityCo is amazing in helping GMP catch prolific offenders, so we encourage you to keep in touch with them.

Greater Manchester Police will continue to work alongside businesses and partners to identify prolific offenders, deter criminal activity and ensure Manchester City Centre remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

PC 05738 Gregory and I are more than happy to go in depth with the above and discuss other concerns or issues that are prevalent in your area.

Kind Regards,
PC 08763 Maria ALI
08763@gmp.police.uk
Castlefield Neighbourhood Beat Officer, Townhall Police Station

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Maria Ali
(GMP, Neighbourhood Beat Officer, CoM - City Centre)