Greater Manchester Police’s Special Constables have taken part in a high-profile National Day of Action in Denton, targeting retail crime, road safety issues and anti-social behaviour.
The event, held on Wednesday 24 September, formed part of the inaugural Employer Supported Policing (ESP) National Day of Action, which celebrates the vital contribution of volunteer Special Constables and the businesses that support them. GMP joined forces with around 25 police forces nationwide for the initiative.
Operations in Tameside were focused on Crown Point Shopping Park and surrounding neighbourhoods, where Specials worked alongside local policing teams to engage with shoppers, residents and businesses.
The day’s activities included:
- Retail Crime Prevention: Plain-clothed officers teamed up with store security staff to spot offenders, while high-visibility patrols offered reassurance to shoppers and handed out crime-prevention advice.
- Road Safety Enforcement: A traffic operation carried out dozens of vehicle checks, issuing multiple traffic offence reports for issues including mobile phone use at the wheel, lack of seatbelts and uninsured driving. Officers also seized an illegally modified e-bike.
- Community Engagement: Specials visited local schools, gathered intelligence and spoke with residents about their concerns around anti-social behaviour.
The operation attracted the attention of Rt. Hon. Lord David Hanson, Minister of State for the Home Office, who attended to see the work first-hand.
He said: “It was a privilege to join the Special Constables at Greater Manchester Police for their Employer Supported Policing Day of Action.
The dedication and professionalism of the officers I met was inspiring. Their commitment to volunteer their free time to keep their communities safe, build trust and tackle crime is a credit to the force and the neighbourhoods they serve.”
Chief Superintendent Phil Hutchinson, GMP’s Strategic Lead for the Special Constabulary, praised the contribution of the volunteers: “Our Special Constables dedicate their own time to tackling crime across Greater Manchester, including key issues that we know our communities want to see action on.
“They displayed their commitment to our key aims of the operation – targeting retail crime, traffic offences, and anti-social behaviour – providing a high-visibility presence across the Denton area. The day was a success and I hope to see our fantastic Special Constables take part in further days of action in the future.”
GMP reports that it continues to prioritise retail crime year-round, with more than 3,000 arrests for related offences made over the past 12 months. Special Constables typically volunteer at least 16 hours a month, balancing their policing duties alongside other jobs and commitments.
Residents interested in joining the Special Constabulary can find out more at: Special constables | Greater Manchester Police.
Misconduct investigation into 26 staff and officers following anti-corruption investigation
Last call for £2 tickets! Northern's flash sale ends today
Woman who inspired Labour shift on immigration speaks out against PM
Council slammed for ‘disrespecting working people’
