A boy has been charged with possession of a bladed article after being stopped by police in Piccadilly Gardens during a bank holiday operation. The incident took place as part of Operation Sycamore, a proactive initiative aimed at tackling crime in Manchester city centre. While this arrest occurred in the city centre, it serves as a stark reminder to Oldham residents of the ongoing efforts by Greater Manchester Police to remove weapons from our streets and ensure public safety across the region.

The young suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed due to legal reasons, was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of a machete. The bank holiday weekend saw a series of operations designed to crack down on violent crime and drug offences, with officers deployed across various locations. In a related incident, an adult male was arrested for possession of a knife and later issued a conditional caution after interview, highlighting the zero-tolerance approach to bladed weapons.

During the same weekend, police operations also tackled other forms of criminality. An adult male was arrested for breaching immigration bail conditions after failing to engage with Immigration Enforcement. He was also found in possession of cannabis and has been bailed while immigration proceedings continue. This arrest underscores the collaborative work between police and immigration authorities to address multiple issues simultaneously.

On Saturday, under Operation Venture, officers arrested an adult male in possession of a knife. He has been charged and bailed for the offence. Shortly afterwards, two officers made arrests of a pair of adult males on suspicion of drug offences after witnessing suspected drug dealing. Both individuals have been charged and bailed. Another man was also arrested for possession of a small amount of cannabis and has since been charged. These actions demonstrate the thoroughness of the police response during the holiday period.

Later in the day, police located and arrested an adult male in possession of a knife. Further checks revealed he was wanted in connection with a serious assault in the London area. He has been remanded and is due to appear in court. This case highlights the national reach of local police operations, as they apprehend individuals sought for crimes elsewhere.

Sergeant Jon Wyatt, who led the operations, praised the team's efforts: "This has been an extremely proactive weekend for the team, with officers working tirelessly to target those involved in criminality and keep the public safe." He added, "From removing weapons from our streets to tackling drug offences and locating wanted individuals, this work sends a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in Piccadilly Gardens. I’m proud of the team’s efforts and the impact they continue to have in the area."

For Oldham, these operations are a reminder of the broader strategy to combat crime across Greater Manchester. Knife crime remains a concern in local communities, and initiatives like Operation Sycamore are part of a wider effort to reduce violence. Residents in Oldham are encouraged to report any suspicions or concerns to the police, as community intelligence plays a vital role in preventing crime and keeping neighbourhoods safe.

The boy charged with machete possession is due to appear at a youth court at a later date. Meanwhile, police continue to engage with schools, youth groups, and community organisations in Oldham to educate about the dangers of knife crime. The success of these operations relies on partnership between the police and public, and every arrest contributes to a safer environment for everyone.

GMP has reiterated its commitment to removing weapons from the streets and holding offenders accountable. Sergeant Wyatt concluded: "This work sends a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. We will continue to target those who put others at risk, whether in Manchester city centre or in communities like Oldham." The force also urges anyone with information about knife crime or drug offences in Oldham to come forward, emphasising that community support is vital in the fight against crime.