GMP increase patrols for Chinese New Year celebrations
Officers say criminals might use this time of year as an opportunity to target homes to steal vulnerable items from families
Last updated 2nd Feb 2025
Police say there's going to be more proactive patrols around Manchester City Centre for the Chinese New Year.
It's as they add criminals might use this as an opportunity to target homes to steal vulnerable items from families.
The message is the support of local communities is vital in helping to bring people to justice.
Read more: Busy weekend ahead in city centre as Manchester welcomes Year of the Snake
Officers add that family gold is usually high purity, high-value gold jewellery – often bought as gifts, it is passed down through generations which hold significant sentimental value.
Offenders are committing these burglaries in teams of two or three and usually entering the properties through open windows, forcing or smashing their way in.
Detective Superintendent Alicia Smith who leads GMP’s Operation Castle, said: “We know this weekend will be a special time of the year for many, but we also know that criminals may use this as an opportunity to target homes to steal valuable items from families.
“Burglary is a very intrusive crime and not only does the theft of gold jewellery affect people financially, but these items often hold a lot of sentimental value too, having been passed down through generations.
“We are doing all we can by ensuring that we have proactive patrols in hotspot areas across Greater Manchester, but as always, the support of our communities is vital in helping us bring these people to justice and preventing this type of crime.
"Please be discreet when wearing jewellery in public to avoid attracting unwanted attention and make sure your insurance is up to date and keep a written record of all your Jewellery. Take photographs for insurance and recovery purposes.
"Ensure jewellery is property marked with an appropriate product for use on jewellery. Any jewellery with a unique serial number can be registered for free at www.immobilise.com.
“If you’re heading out, remember to ensure doors and windows are locked, and remove any objects from outside your property that could potentially be used to break windows to gain entry. Tell your neighbours when you are out for the evening.
“Please contact us if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area, or if you know anything about burglary and the subsequent sale of stolen goods.”
Further crime prevention advice and how to keep your property safe from criminals can be found on the Greater Manchester Police website.