How police in Greater Manchester are working to stop cars being stolen from The Trafford Centre car parks

Police have been working to tackle the problem of vehicles being stolen from shopping centre car parks, including the ones at The Trafford Centre.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched an operation in Trafford to combat the issues of shoppers returning to their cars to find they were no longer there. The force says the operation has been a considerable success, with stolen vehicles recovered, arrests made and a significant decrease in car thefts at the borough’s retail parks.

Police have also shared advice with residents on how they can avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime.

What is the operation Greater Manchester Police have launched in Trafford to tackle car thefts?

Police launched an operation to crack down on thefts of cars from the car parks in Trafford’s shopping centres, including flagship retail hub The Trafford Centre.

The force said on Sunday (29 January) that it has seen “a significant decrease” in cars being taken from retail parks while their owners are doing some shopping. GMP also said that a juvenile had been arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of the theft of a vehicle.

Police said on Sunday that it is now a fortnight since they received a report of a car vanishing from the car parks at The Trafford Centre and hailed the progress on tackle car thefts that has been made.

Chief Inspector Shoheb Chowdhury of GMP’s Trafford District, said: “So far we have recovered five vehicles, two Ford Fiestas and three Range Rovers, and arrested 12 individuals.

“It has been 14 days since a vehicle has been reported as stolen from The Trafford Centre and we will continue this momentum by ensuring that we have officers out patrolling the car parks and giving out prevention advice at our crime prevention stalls inside The Trafford Centre.”

What can people do to make it harder for thieves to steal their car?

GMP has also shared advice to motorists on things they can do to reduce the likelihood of their vehicle being stolen. Drivers should double check that their car is locked when leaving it and not just rely on the fob as signals can be blocked, preventing vehicles locking.

Motorists have also been encouraged to invest in a Faraday bag as it is lined with metal material and could help block the key’s signal, not to leave any valuables on display as even loose change can attract unwanted attention and to fit a steering lock as they act as a visual deterrent and can help slow offenders down.

GMP said drivers should also consider investing in a tracking device. While this won’t prevent the car being stolen, it will make it much easier for the police to find it and return it to its owner.

Police also reminded residents that any suspicious or criminal behaviour can be reported through the LiveChat facility on the GMP website or by calling 101, with 999 for emergency situations.