Greater Manchester Police carried out a major day of action across the Bury borough yesterday (16 April) as part of Operation AVRO, the force’s monthly crackdown on the crimes that matter most to local communities.

The operation brought together specialist resources, neighbourhood officers and partner agencies, delivering high‑visibility policing and targeted enforcement to disrupt serious and organised crime, protect vulnerable people and tackle criminality affecting Bury’s town centres and neighbourhoods.

The day started at the statue of Sir Robert Peel - the father of modern British policing - with motivational words for officers from Bury’s district commander, Chief Superintendent Kirsty Oliver.

Serious and organised crime warrants

The day began with early‑morning warrants, targeting individuals linked to serious and organised crime networks, including drugs supply and economic crime.

This work resulted in:

12 positive warrants executed 35 arrests made Offensive weapons, large amounts of Class A and Class B drugs, alongside electronics including laptops and mobile phones Criminal assets, and £15,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes recovered 600 cannabis plants seized Safeguarding actions taken for vulnerable adults and children

One of the warrants executed was carried out by officers from GMP’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU) at an address on Spring Street in Bury, in relation to an investigation into suspected credit card fraud. The dog unit was also in attendance to assist with recoveries, resulting in £4,000 in cash being recovered.

Another warrant was executed on Lord Street, Radcliffe by officers from Trafford’s Neighbourhood Tasking Team, who were supporting Bury’s work. The warrant followed intelligence gathered in relation to ongoing drug supply at the address.

A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of concern in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of Class B drugs. A further man was located hiding inside the property and was found to be wanted; he was therefore arrested on suspicion of breach of a court order. Class A and B drugs were seized along with a machete. Enquiries are continuing into the suspected offences.

Trading Standards and immigration enforcement activity

As part of the operation, officers worked alongside Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement to carry out targeted searches at several retail premises suspected of selling illicit goods and being linked to organised criminality.

During these searches, police search dogs located significant quantities of illegal tobacco concealed within the walls of shops, alongside other hidden compartments. Cannabis‑related items were also identified. This joint work focused on disrupting organised crime groups, protecting legitimate businesses, and tackling the sale of illegal products on the high street.

Town centre policing and shoplifting crackdown

Throughout the day, officers maintained a strong police presence in Bury town centre and surrounding retail areas.

This included:

Plain‑clothed officers deployed to identify and disrupt shoplifting High‑visibility patrols to reassure businesses and the public Arrests and notices issued for theft and related offences

Retail crime continues to have a significant impact on businesses and staff, and tackling shoplifting remains a priority for Bury policing teams.

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) engagement

A Live Facial Recognition (LFR) van was deployed in Bury town centre for the first time as part of the operation, supporting efforts to identify individuals wanted for serious offences. The deployment directly resulted in three arrests during the day.

Specially trained officers were on hand throughout the operation to speak with members of the public, explaining how LFR works, the safeguards in place, and how the technology is used lawfully, proportionately and transparently to help keep communities safe.

Clare’s Law and safeguarding

Dedicated officers were also available to promote and process applications for Clare’s Law (the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme), providing people with information alongside partner agencies to help them make informed decisions about their safety.

Officers and partners engaged directly with members of the public, highlighting how to apply for Clare’s Law and offering advice and support around domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Bury was the first district to trial Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) in Greater Manchester, GMP are now close to reaching their 1000th DAPO, a great tool officers can use to protect vulnerable people.

Traffic operation and visibility

As part of the operation, roads policing teams carried out checks across the borough, focusing on: Insurance, licences and vehicle safety, criminal use of the road network and the disruption of offenders travelling into and out of Bury.

Officers remained out across the borough into the evening, delivering reassurance patrols and maintaining a visible presence in key locations this resulted in:

Two vehicle related arrests Five vehicles seized

Chief Superintendent Kirsty Oliver, of the Bury district, said: “Yesterday was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when officers, partner agencies and our communities come together with a shared purpose. The primary aim of this AVRO day was to disrupt organised crime, safeguard vulnerable people, and give residents the confidence that we are listening and acting on their concerns.

“Through targeted enforcement and safeguarding activity across Bury, we’ve taken significant steps to tackle drug supply and wider criminality. This includes the seizure of hundreds of cannabis plants in Radcliffe, resulting in four arrests and three charges, alongside multiple warrants, further arrests, and drugs being taken off our streets throughout the day.

“Importantly, the day wasn’t just about enforcement. Officers and partners were also out engaging with the public, promoting initiatives such as Clare’s Law, explaining the use of Live Facial Recognition, and working closely with Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement to disrupt organised criminal activity on our high streets.

“This was a truly positive and impactful day, and I want to thank our officers, partner organisations and the local community for their continued support. We will remain relentless in our approach to tackling organised crime and protecting our neighbourhoods.”

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