Vehicle crime across Greater Manchester down 27 per cent
Vehicle-related crime in Greater Manchester has decreased by 27% between September 2023 and March 2024, with reductions in theft of motor vehicles (26%), theft from motor vehicles (28%), and vehicle interference (28%). The decline is attributed to targeted operations, increased patrols, community engagement, and partnerships with local authorities. Police have recovered over £1 million in stolen property and vehicles. Despite the progress, vehicle crime is often linked to serious and organised crime groups. Authorities urge continued vigilance and preventive measures from vehicle owners.
Vehicle Crime Plummets 27% Across Greater Manchester After Police Crackdown
Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has dropped by 27 per cent following a targeted police operation that recovered more than £1 million worth of stolen vehicles and property.
Latest figures show significant decreases across all vehicle crime categories between September 2024 and March 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. Theft of motor vehicles fell by 26 per cent with 1,093 fewer incidents, thefts from vehicles decreased by 28 per cent with 1,984 fewer cases, and vehicle interference crimes dropped by 28 per cent with 405 fewer offences.
The dramatic reduction follows strategic operations in known hotspot areas, increased visible and covert patrols during peak offending times, and close collaboration with local authorities, community safety partnerships, and neighbourhood watch schemes. Police have also focused on car parks in the city centre, increasing patrols and providing security advice to both vehicle owners and car park managers through awareness leaflets and direct consultations.
Superintendent Danny O’Neil, GMP’s vehicle crime lead, emphasized that vehicle theft often connects to serious organised crime. “These criminal groups use stolen vehicles to commit further offences, such as drug-related crimes and serious violence. Stolen vehicles can be used as getaway cars or dismantled in chop shops for parts which can be shipped internationally and sold for significant amounts of money,” he explained.
O’Neil urged continued vigilance from vehicle owners, recommending removal of valuables, use of steering locks for keyless entry cars, parking in well-lit areas, and considering tracking devices and faraday pouches for electronic keys. Anyone with information about vehicle crime should call 101, use the Live Chat function at gmp.police.uk, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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