Plain-clothes cops are 'blending in' at crime hotspots this Bank Holiday weekend

Plain-clothes cops are 'blending in' at crime hot spots across south Manchester and Trafford this Bank Holiday weekend. Police chiefs say the the aim is to 'divert' young people away from trouble.

The move, dubbed Operation Tahara, will see non-uniform officers out and about in areas where anti-social behaviour is rife tonight (Saturday) and tomorrow. Det Supt Dave Meeney said that while officers will be making arrests and carrying out stop and searches, they will 'prioritise diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime through engagement'.

He added: "Engagement is a really effective tactic in preventing and reducing crime - that's why this team is deployed to hotspot locations at peak times, when we know young people are more likely to be in public spaces and looking for something to do.

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"The officers wear plain clothes so, whilst those who live and work in these areas might not see a high-visibility police presence, they can be reassured that GMP is regularly striving to deploy the most suitable officers to the right places at the right times in order to build a resilient community for current and future generations.

"Operation Tahara is building on firm foundations laid by the Xcalibre team, which was established in 2006 and successfully reduced gun crime in South Manchester. The team remains integral to policing in this area and the force, with partner agencies, is currently assessing how it can evolve to tackle current issues."