Greater Manchester Police make 671 arrests during Festive Friday weekend

Wednesday, 24 December 2025 11:41

By David Murphy

Greater Manchester Police made 671 arrests across the force area during the Festive Friday weekend, marking an increase of almost 15 percent compared with the same period last year.

The arrests were carried out as part of the force’s ongoing Winter of Action campaign, known locally as Operation North Star, which runs until 31 January 2026.

The campaign focuses on retail crime, violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse and issues linked to the night time economy, as well as street crime and antisocial behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police said the weekend before Christmas is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year, with increased demand across towns and city centres. Officers were deployed under a force wide policing plan with a stated zero tolerance approach to criminality.

Those arrested were linked to a range of offences including assault, criminal damage, harassment, theft, drug possession, shoplifting, stalking, public order offences and antisocial behaviour. Police said a number of charges had already been secured, alongside out of court disposals and other positive outcomes for victims.

Greater Manchester Police neighbourhood policing lead Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said officers had followed through on commitments made to communities ahead of the weekend.

He said the policing response showed residents that officers were present to investigate and solve crime, respond to incidents and emergencies, and protect communities from harm.

Mr Boyle also said the force continued to prioritise neighbourhood policing as part of the national neighbourhood guarantee, aimed at increasing public confidence and improving the ability of local teams to tackle antisocial behaviour and prevent crime.

Police said the Winter of Action campaign will continue across Greater Manchester in the coming weeks, with further targeted operations planned through the new year.