It is a national epidemic. Shoplifting is rife including here in Greater Manchester. The Manchester Evening News reported this month how a popular local business is urging others to be vigilant following a number of shoplifting incidents Slattery, the well-known bakery, chocolatier, and tearooms issued a stark warning to fellow business owners after a shoplifter allegedly made off with over 拢300 in stock. The business in Whitefield has been run by the same family for three generations. This month the owners shared a post on their Instagram stories about stock being stolen in the run up to Father’s Day, and the team have told the Manchester Evening News that it has been “soul destroying” for them as a small family business. But Greater Manchester Police say they are determined to tackle the crime which is hitting big name supermarkets and small businesses hard. The force has revealed 3,600 arrests were made for shoplifting between April 2024 and March 2025. The arrests and charges meant an increase in solved outcomes 鈥 a 59 per cent increase over the last 12 months. The arrest rate 鈥 averaging approximately 300 a month 鈥 was a near 50 per cent increase on the year prior, which saw just over 2,400 made. The total was 3,631. The 12-months to March 2025 saw 1,938 charged and remanded, with a further 957 charged and bailed. This represents a 38.1 percent and 63..3 percent increase respectively on the previous year. In the most recent full month of data (May), 261 arrests were made with 192 charges secured. The force says the increases are down to local neighbourhood police teams working closely with stores and local authorities to provide the best possible service to businesses who are the victims of theft and other criminality. Police have joined forces with store security to tackle persistent and problematic offenders. They have also engaged with the most vulnerable to prevent re-offending. This work can include signposting to charities, hostels, food banks, and liaising with homeless teams to address any issues. Senior GMP officers have taken part in national conferences, in which the latest legislation and case-studies on the best work amongst forces are shared. Where sufficient evidence is gathered to identify shoplifters who are taking goods to re-sell or taking high value products home raids are taking place. Staff at Slattery were tipped off by a member of the public that their goods were being sold in a Radcliffe pub. Superintendent Cara Charlesworth, Force Lead for Retail Crime, said: 鈥淥ur improvements over the last couple of years are down to the dedicated efforts of local neighbourhood teams, who work closely with businesses to identify issues that they are facing and provide bespoke advice and plans. 鈥淲hile we make hundreds of arrests, we do work closely with partners to better understand why people are committing these crimes, and to that end, we regularly provide support to vulnerable people, ensuring they get the advice they need depending on their unique situation. 鈥淎s part of Neighbourhood Week of Action, this week teams will be conducting everything from proactive patrols to targeted days of action, and I fully anticipate further great results coming from the day. 鈥淚f you are a local business owner, or work in a store and want assistance, please do get in touch with your local team, who will do their absolute best to tackle the issues you face.鈥