Crime falls and justice rises as GMP pledges safer 2026 for Greater Manchester

Monday, 29 December 2025 10:05

By David Murphy

Greater Manchester Police has reported a drop of 10,000 crimes in the past year, alongside a sharp rise in solved cases, as the force sets its sights on delivering a safer 2026.

Figures for 2025 show significant reductions in burglary, robbery and knife crime, while the number of crimes solved rose by 6,500 compared to the previous year, a 15% increase.

GMP credits its ‘back to basics’ approach, introduced by Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson in 2021, with transforming performance and public trust. The force now answers 999 calls in an average of five seconds and responds to emergencies in just under eight minutes.

More than 70,000 arrests were made in 2025, more than double the number before Sir Stephen’s appointment. This includes around 23,000 domestic abuse suspects, with over 7,000 victims supported through the justice system last year.

The rollout of more than 500 Domestic Abuse Protection Orders since November 2024 has expanded the tools available to protect victims, while domestic abuse-related crime dropped by 3.5%.

Retail crime remained steady, but GMP now solves around 500 shoplifting offences each month, a 534% increase on 2021.

Sir Stephen Watson said: “This year’s continued reductions in crime and increases in outcomes show what relentless, community‑focused policing can achieve, fewer victims, safer streets and a force that’s delivering at pace and to a standard the public deserves.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, praised the force’s progress: “After years of sustained pressure, Greater Manchester Police is back to where it should be – with the highest number of officers since 2010, and named neighbourhood policing teams in every community.”

GMP says its proactive tactics, including Operation Vulcan and monthly Operation Avro, are key to tackling local problems. Knife crime fell by 13% in 2025 and firearms offences by 38%, with more weapons taken off the streets than in any year since 2020.

Neighbourhood crime teams, prevention hubs and local tasking teams operate across every district, including Rochdale, where recent domestic abuse crackdowns led to 23 arrests and increased support for victims.

Across the force, nearly 65,000 people and vehicles were stopped in the past year, leading to the seizure of 22,500 vehicles and more than 677 weapons.

However, hate crime rose by more than 10%, prompting renewed pledges to act. Reports of organised immigration crime and modern slavery also increased by 10%, with GMP saying the rise reflects greater awareness and trust in reporting mechanisms.

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kate Green, said: “Faster emergency responses, more crimes solved and a proactive approach to reducing harm are all signs that GMP are continuing the remarkable improvements of recent years.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Your Trust celebrates record 1.6 million engagements across Rochdale borough

More than 1.6 million people took part in Your Trust’s community programmes last year, marking a record high for the Rochdale-based charity.
Flying Scotsman to return to East Lancashire Railway in 2026

One of Britain’s most iconic steam locomotives is making a highly anticipated return to the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) next summer, with the Flying Scotsman confirmed for a special run of events in June 2026.
Springhill Hospice offers Christmas tree collection service across Rochdale borough

Residents across Rochdale can now register for Springhill Hospice’s annual Christmas tree collection service, running between 9 and 12 January 2026.
Teletubbies, traffic cones and blind mice take over Edgworth in charity race

Teletubbies, blind mice, and Top Gun pilots brought festive chaos to the streets of Edgworth on Sunday as the village’s annual charity three-legged race returned, raising thousands for Cancer Research UK.
Army of Kindness hosts record-breaking Christmas Day meal in Rochdale

More than 350 people were welcomed to St Andrew’s Church in Rochdale on Christmas Day for the 10th Annual Meal organised by the Army of Kindness.
Key developments coming to Rochdale in 2026

‘Build, baby, build’ is the mantra Rochdale is destined to follow in 2026, with bricks and mortar set to be in hot demand due to the sheer scale of development. Housebuilding is set to dominate the calendar across all Rochdalian towns, with a plethora of residential developments getting the go ahead in 2025.
What does the future hold for Rochdale’s Seven Sisters

Over the course of 2026 hundreds of residents living in the iconic Seven Sisters tower blocks in Rochdale are expected to move out.
Holcombe Hunt returns to Pleasington as future of trail hunting faces uncertainty

Supporters gathered in their hundreds in Pleasington on Boxing Day for the historic Holcombe Hunt, as debate over the future legality of trail hunting continues.
Seven reasons why Prestwich is still ‘on the up’

Prestwich has long been considered a pretty desirable place to live.
From behind the radio mic to serving free Christmas dinners to support local residents in Bury

Dozens of volunteers gave up their Christmas Day to serve hot meals and friendly company at Bury Parish Church Hall, as part of a long-running effort to support people in need over the festive period.
‘We’ve been ‘parents’ to 31 children and every one of them means the world to us’

A couple whose ‘extraordinary commitment’ to being foster carers has transformed dozens of children’s lives are to be awarded Bury’s highest honour. Keith and Helen Atkinson, from Walmersley, are to be given the ‘freedom of the borough’ in early 2026 after looking after 31 children, mainly teenagers, since 1994.
Community centre left with £10,000 of damage just before Christmas

A ‘mindless attack’ has left a community centre in Oldham with more than £10,000 of damage just before Christmas. Holts Community Centre, on Near Birches Parade in the Holts housing estate, was last week targeted by vandals.