Vehicle technician, Corporal Johnson conducts an interview with Ukrainian media outlets at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in the Ukraine during Operation UNIFIER on October 19, 2020.

Please credit: Avr Melissa Gloude, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Le caporal Johnson, technicien de véhicules, est interrogé par les médias ukrainiens au Centre international de sécurité et de maintien de la paix en Ukraine, au cours de l’opération UNIFIER, le 19 octobre 2020.

Please : Avr Melissa Gloude, technicienne en imagerie des Forces armées canadiennes

Major Carra Greenhorn, a social worker brought onboard HMCS FREDERICTON to support the ship’s company, assists the cable party as the ship departs the port of Taranto, Italy during Operation REASSURANCE, May 11, 2020.

Please credit: Cpl Simon Arcand, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

La major Carra Greenhorn, travailleuse sociale embarquée à bord du NCSM FREDERICTON pour soutenir l’équipage du navire, prête main-forte à l’équipe de mouillage au moment où le navire quitte le port de Taranto, en Italie, au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 11 mai 2020.

Photo : Cpl Simon Arcand, Forces armées canadiennes

Police seized 41 vehicles during a two-day traffic operation earlier this week.

Officers were out in force with partner agencies as part of Operation Unity, which targeted a range of offences on the roads.

Check sites were set up in Gorton, Eastlands, Bolton and Manchester and during the course of the two days 575 vehicles were stopped.

Twelve vehicles were seized for being used illegally in the UK, 24 vehicles were seized for no insurance, two were seized for being driven without a licence and three were seized by the DVLA.

Police also issued 100 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) to motorists, including 43 to drivers using a mobile phone and 16 for seatbelt offences.

The Drive & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) issued 55 prohibitions to commercial drivers for vehicle defects.

One vehicle was dealt with for red diesel, six taxi drivers were suspended and a 50-year old man was arrested on suspicion of two robberies in Tameside and remains in police custody for questioning.

Sergeant Garry Lyle from GMP’s Traffic Enforcement Unit said: “Partners and officers came together over the last two days to target offenders and send a stark reminder out to motorists that we will not let them compromise the safety of others on our roads.

“The Traffic Enforcement Unit deals with offences such as these on a daily basis but not to the same extent. We’re really grateful to our partners for assisting us throughout the operation and look forward to doing more of the same in the very near future.”

To report a crime please call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To keep up-to-date with GMP’s Traffic Unit, follow them on twitter - @gmptraffic

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

The flight deck crew on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship WINNIPEG prepare to transfer a passenger to the CH-124 Sea King helicopter using the helicopters winch during Operation REASSURANCE in the Mediterranean Sea on November 30, 2015.

Photo by: Cpl Stuart MacNeil, HMCS WINNIPEG

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Des membres de l’équipage de vol du Navire canadien de Sa Majesté WINNIPEG s’apprêtent à faire monter un passager à bord de l’hélicoptère CH-124 Sea King à l’aide du treuil d’hélicoptères au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, dans la Méditerranée, le 30 novembre 2015.

Photo : Cpl Stuart MacNeil, NCSM WINNIPEG

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The Battle Group Command Team, Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Craig Higgins and Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Mike Vollick take part in engagements with the Canadian Ambassador to Latvia, Brian Szwarc. They visit the municipal town council and local school in Adazi, Lativia, as part of Operation REASSURANCE on February 14, 2023.

Photo: Corporal Darren McDonald Imagery Technician, TFL HQ

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L’équipe de commandement du groupement tactique, le lieutenant-colonel Craig Higgins, commandant, et l’adjudant-chef Mike Vollick, sergent-major régimentaire, prennent part à des activités avec l’ambassadeur du Canada en Lettonie, Brian Szwarc. Ils ont rendu visite au conseil municipal et à une école locale d’Adazi, en Lettonie, dans le cadre de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 14 février 2023.

Photo : Caporal Darren McDonald, technicien en imagerie, QG FOL

Members of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) FREDERICTON, Enhanced Naval Boarding Party and the ship's Naval Boarding Party, participate in a boarding exercise on the Maersk Atlanta, a civilian cargo transport during Operation REASSURANCE on

January 23, 2016.

Photo: Corporal Anthony Chand, Formation Imagery Services

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Des membres du Navire canadien de Sa Majesté (NCSM) FREDERICTON, de l’équipe d’arraisonnement des navires renforcée et de l’équipe d’arraisonnement du navire participent à un exercice d’arraisonnement à bord du Maersk Atlanta, un navire de transport de cargaison civil, au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 23 janvier 2016.

Photo : Caporal Anthony Chand, Services d’imagerie de la formation

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Commander Annick Fortin, the Commanding Officer of HMCS WINNIPEG, and the crew onboard HMCS WINNIPEG conduct a PASSEX with the Royal Thai Navy, HTMS Sukhothai, after the departure of Thailand during Operation PROJECTION on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

Photo: S1 Melissa Gonzalez, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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La capitaine de frégate Annick Fortin, commandante du NCSM WINNIPEG, et l’équipage à bord du NCSM WINNIPEG effectuent un PASSEX avec le navire HTMS Sukhothai de la marine royale thaïlandaise après leur départ de la Thaïlande au cours de l’opération PROJECTION, le mardi 11 octobre 2022.

Photo : Mat 1 Melissa Gonzalez, Forces armées canadiennes

A CC-177 Globemaster escorted by two CF-18 Hornets, carries members returning from the last mission in Afghanistan to the Ottawa International Airport on March 18, 2014.

Photo: MCpl Patrick Blanchard, Canadian Forces Combat Camera

Un CC177 Globemaster, escorté par deux CF18 Hornet, ramène des militaires après la dernière mission en Afghanistan, à l’aéroport international d’Ottawa, le 18 mars 2014.

Photo : Cplc Patrick Blanchard, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes

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Aerial image of Kaskawulsh Glacier during Operation NANOOK 2013 in Kluane National Park, Yukon on August 3, 2013.

Photo : Cpl Patrick Blanchard, Canadian Forces Combat Camera

Vue aérienne du glacier Kaskawulsh au cours de l’opération NANOOK dans le parc national Kluane, le 3 août 2013.

Photo : Cpl Patrick Blanchard, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes

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Recruits of the Armed Forces of Ukraine march in a single file as part of their wood clearing training led by a member of the Canadian Armed Forces during Operation UNIFIER in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2023.

Photo by: Corporal Marco Tijam, Canadian Armed Forces photo

Des recrues des forces armées ukrainiennes marchent en file indienne lors d’une formation sur le ratissage de boisés dirigée par un membre des Forces armées canadiennes au cours de l’opération UNIFIER, au Royaume Uni, le 14 mai 2023.

Photo : Caporal Marco Tijam, Forces armées canadiennes

Sergeant Chris Payne from the Operation UNIFIER Medical Training Group (MTG) delivers “Stress Lane” training to the candidates of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) Basic Combat Medic Course, at the NGU Training Center in Zolochiv, Ukraine on 12 March 2021.

Stress Lane training is a mix of mental and physical tasks done at speed and design in a way that candidates will operate in a stressful environment.

Please credit: Cpl Melissa Gloude, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Le sergent Chris Payne, du Groupe de formation médicale (GFM) de l’opération UNIFIER, présente un entraînement axé sur le stress aux candidats du cours élémentaire de personnel médical de combat de la Garde nationale ukrainienne (GNU), au centre d’entraînement de la GNU à Zolochiv, en Ukraine, le 12 mars 2021.

Cet entraînement axé sur le stress est constitué de tâches à la fois mentales et physiques que les candidats doivent réaliser rapidement, comme ils devront le faire dans un environnement stressant.

Photo : Cpl Melissa Gloude, technicienne en imagerie des Forces armées canadiennes

Sergeant Chris Payne from the Operation UNIFIER Medical Training Group (MTG) delivers “Stress Lane” training to the candidates of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) Basic Combat Medic Course, at the NGU Training Center in Zolochiv, Ukraine on 12 March 2021.

Stress Lane training is a mix of mental and physical tasks done at speed and design in a way that candidates will operate in a stressful environment.

Please credit: Cpl Melissa Gloude, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Le sergent Chris Payne, du Groupe de formation médicale (GFM) de l’opération UNIFIER, présente un entraînement axé sur le stress aux candidats du cours élémentaire de personnel médical de combat de la Garde nationale ukrainienne (GNU), au centre d’entraînement de la GNU à Zolochiv, en Ukraine, le 12 mars 2021.

Cet entraînement axé sur le stress est constitué de tâches à la fois mentales et physiques que les candidats doivent réaliser rapidement, comme ils devront le faire dans un environnement stressant.

Photo : Cpl Melissa Gloude, technicienne en imagerie des Forces armées canadiennes

Master Seaman Shawn Davis is detained by members of the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard during a boarding exercise as part of Operation NANOOK 2020 on August 18, 2020.

Photo by Corporal David Veldman, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Le matelot-chef Shawn Davis est détenu par des membres de la marine américaine et de la Garde côtière des États-Unis lors d’un exercice d’arraisonnement dans le cadre de l’opération NANOOK 2020, le 18 août 2020.

Photo : Caporal David Veldman, Forces armées canadiennes

Corporal Shantz Hallman, a member of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), stands guard during a training exercise at the MFO South Camp in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt during Operation CALUMET on March 27, 2019.

Photo: Sergeant Vincent Carbonneau, Canadian Forces Combat Camera

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Le caporal Shantz Hallman, membre de la Force multinationale et Observateurs (FMO), monte la garde durant un exercice d’entraînement au Camp Sud de la FMO à Charm el-Cheikh, en Égypte, lors de l’opération CALUMET, le 27 mars 2019.

Photo : Sergent Vincent Carbonneau, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes

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Three firefighters establish communications with Headquarters One for further instructions during a fire exercise with simulated smoke aboard HMCS HALIFAX during Operation REASSURANCE on 14 January 2021.

Photo: Sailor First Class Bryan Underwood, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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Trois pompiers communiquent avec le quartier général no 1 pour obtenir des instructions supplémentaires lors d’un exercice de lutte contre les incendies avec fumée simulée à bord du NCSM HALIFAX, au cours de l’opération REASSURANCE, le 14 janvier 2021.

Photo : Matelot de 1re classe Bryan Underwood, Forces armées canadiennes

Special constables of Greater Manchester Police and Cheshire Police have today, 9 January 2015, taken part in Operation Fezzan.

The overall aim of the joint operation was to disrupt illegal activity between the two counties and deny criminals the use of the roads.

By using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras officers were able to monitor vehicles that crossed between the two counties, stopping any that were on the roads illegally or were linked to criminal activity.

The operation was centred around the forces' border near Poynton.

Special constables are volunteer police officers who give up their time to help keep our communities safe. They have the same powers as regular officers and provide police forces across the country with thousands of hours of additional policing every month.

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

On 29 January 2021, members from the Combined Arms Training Group deployed on Operation UNIFIER conducted NATO Call For Fire training with the 356th Artillery Training Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi.

Please credit: Cpl Melissa Gloude, Canadian Armed Forces photo

Le 29 janvier 2021, des membres du groupe d’instruction interarmes en déploiement dans le cadre de l’opération UNIFIER ont donné une formation de l’OTAN sur les demandes de tir au 356e régiment d’entraînement d’artillerie des forces armées ukrainiennes, au Centre international de sécurité et de maintien de la paix, à Starychi, en Ukraine.

Photo : Cpl Melissa Gloude, Forces armées canadiennes

Police have launched a two-day operation to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

The initiative codenamed Operation Longford will see officers from across the Force and specialist units including traffic, tactical aid and the ANPR intercept teams take to the streets in a bid to target vulnerability in the community.

Some of the work as part of the days of action (Friday 29 to Saturday 30 May) will include visits to licensed premises, policing open spaces that attract youths and alcohol, takeaway enforcement, visit to shisha bars in addition to Metrolink and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) patrols.

Superintendent Craig Thompson operational lead said: “Safeguarding vulnerable people is an on-going priority for the Force which makes days of action like this so important. By having mechanisms in place and working alongside our partners we can ensure those at greater risk in our community are protected before the actions such as exploitation and abuse begin.

“As with our day to day policing we will also carry out enforcement work and will target offenders for a range of offences including, human trafficking, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE*), antisocial behaviour and general criminality.”

As part of the operation officers from the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team and partners such as Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner will launch the partnership Safe Haven scheme. It is a place of safety for anyone who is out and about in the city centre on a Friday or Saturday night and in need of help, support, a place of safety or a designated meeting point for when you lose your friends.

Superintendent Thompson added: “We want Operation Longford to show our community that their safety comes first and will always be our priority. We will make use of all of our disruption tactics to put a stop to criminals.”

For live updates from the operation follow #OpLongford from the GMP twitter accounts. You can find your local Twitter account by visiting: www.gmp.police.uk/socialmedia.

At 6am this morning (21 October) 11 warrants were carried out across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Stafford as part of 'Operation Ceramic', a large scale investigation into the supply of Class A drugs by organised crime groups across the North West and Midlands.

GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Unit were supported by officers from GMPs City of Manchester district, the National Crime Agency, Cheshire Constabulary and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Following the dawn raids, seven people were arrested.

Detective Inspector Phil Kennedy, of GMPs Serious and Organised Crime Group said: "We've had a fantastic result this morning. These warrants have been executed following a meticulous investigation incorporating months of hard work by ourselves and our partner agencies to begin to break apart these organised crime groups that bring misery to our local communities.

"This investigation shows the dedication we have to cracking down on drug related activity and to anyone who is involved in this type of crime, we will catch up with you and you will be brought to justice.

"Drugs blight communities and we're committed to ensuring those responsible for the movement of drugs are identified.

"Although we have made these arrests our investigation continues and I would encourage anyone who has information on the supply of drugs, or anyone who has witnessed suspicious behaviour in their communities to please get in touch with police."

Anyone with information into the supply or distribution of drugs in Manchester can contact police on 101.

Alternatively, details can be passed via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Armed Forces of Ukraine recruits extract a simulated casualty on Tactical Combat Casualty Care training instructed by the Canadian Armed Forces in the United Kingdom during Operation UNIFIER on May 13, 2023.

Photo: Master Sailor Valerie LeClair, Canadian Armed Forces photo

Des recrues des forces armées ukrainiennes transportent une victime simulée lors d’une instruction sur le secourisme en situation de combat donnée par les Forces armées canadiennes dans le cadre de l’opération UNIFIER au Royaume-Uni, le 13 mai 2023.

Photo : Matelot-chef Valerie LeClair, Forces armées canadiennes

Operation AVRO is a forcewide initiative that delivers a surge of extra resources and specialist officers to a different district within Greater Manchester each month.

This month saw the operation take place in Wigan.

The operation targets crimes that members of the public in that district have told us give them the most concern.

Members of the press and key partners, including local representatives, are invited to attend Operation AVRO deployments to see results first-hand and conduct important multi-agency work, such as welfare visits.

More details on AVRO can be found by visiting gmp.police.uk and following us on social media.

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

Members of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry arrive near Grande Prairie, Alberta and set up camp in support of Operation LENTUS 23-01 on 10 May 2023.

Photo: MCpl Cass Moon, Canadian Armed Forces photo

Des membres du 3e Bataillon, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, arrivent près de Grande Prairie, en Alberta, et installent leur campement, au cours de l’opération LENTUS 23-01, le 10 mai 2023.

Photo : Cplc Cass Moon, Forces armées canadiennes

Lieutenant (Navy) Wilson Gonese, a Padre aboard HMCS CALGARY, says a prayer for the children of the Kamloops Indian Residential School during a ceremony in the port of Duqm in Oman during Operation ARTEMIS and as part of Combined Task Force 150, on June 2, 2021.

Please credit: Corporal Lynette Ai Dang, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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Le lieutenant de vaisseau Wilson Gonese, aumônier à bord du NCSM CALGARY faisant partie Force opérationnelle multinationale 150, récite une prière pour les enfants du pensionnat indien de Kamloops lors d’une cérémonie dans le port de Douqm, à Oman, au cours de l’opération ARTEMIS, le 2 juin 2021.

Photo : Caporal Lynette Ai Dang, Forces armées canadiennes

Five people have been arrested as part of an operation to target mortgage fraud and money laundering in Rochdale.

These raids are the result of an intelligence-led operation, code named Operation Florin, aimed at people buying properties with false documents and money made from criminal activities.

Warrants were executed at addresses in the Milnrow and Cutgate areas just after 7am this morning, Wednesday 17 November 2010.

Two men and three women have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.

Officers from the Rochdale division carried out the raids with the support of force resources such as Tactical Aid Units and those in custody will be interviewed by officers from the Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team while the houses are searched.

Operation Florin was launched after officers found up to a quarter of a million pounds worth of cannabis during a raid at a house on Higher Calderbrook Road, Littleborough on 21 April 2010.

Officers then began an investigation into the ownership of that and other properties in Rochdale and Manchester.

Sergeant Karl Ward, from Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Today is the culmination of months of hard work by the NPT and our financial investigator and proves that when we find drugs, our work does not stop there.

"When we found the cannabis plants and stopped those drugs from getting on to the streets of Greater Manchester, it was a good result but we were not satisfied to let it rest there and decided to look at every aspect behind it such as the ownership of the house involved.

"We will always try to tackle drug dealers as they cause misery on a number of levels - to those using drugs, to the community that has to put up with the antisocial behaviour and intimidation that goes with it and those who suffer the burglaries and robberies that fund addictions.

"However, today shows that it can go much deeper. We are in a recession and honest residents are already struggling to make ends meet.

"Criminals who buy property with ill-gotten gains and false documents can affect house prices in the area and damage the firms they borrow from with their perilous financial position, only adding to the problems of law-abiding people who are already struggling."

The Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team (Littleborough Lakeside, Wardle and West Littleborough, Smallbridge and Firgrove and Milnrow and Newhey) can be contacted on 0161 856 4556 / pennineparnership@gmp.police.uk

Anyone who is concerned about drug dealing and its associated criminal activity in their area should ring Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

For more information about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

Sergeant Chris Payne from the Operation UNIFIER Medical Training Group (MTG) and training volunteer Aviator Mason Woof demonstrate “Stress Lane” training to the candidates of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) Basic Combat Medic Course at the NGU Training Center in Zolochiv, Ukraine on 12 March 2021.

Stress Lane training is a mix of mental and physical tasks done at speed and design in a way that candidates will operate in a stressful environment.

Please credit: Cpl Melissa Gloude, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Le sergent Chris Payne, du Groupe de formation médicale (GFM) de l’opération UNIFIER, et l’aviateur Mason Woof, qui s’est porté volontaire, font une démonstration durant l’entraînement axé sur le stress à l’intention des candidats du cours élémentaire de personnel médical de combat de la Garde nationale ukrainienne (GNU), au centre d’entraînement de la GNU à Zolochiv, en Ukraine, le 12 mars 2021.

Cet entraînement axé sur le stress est constitué de tâches à la fois mentales et physiques que les candidats doivent réaliser rapidement, comme ils devront le faire dans un environnement stressant.

Photo : Cpl Melissa Gloude, technicienne en imagerie des Forces armées canadiennes

Soldiers of 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards are pictured in a poppy field waiting for a Chinook Helicopter to extract them, following operations in Afghanistan.

3 Company, the 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards took part in a joint operation with the Afghan National Army in the Babaji area of operations. The task was to dominate the ground in the area south of Patrol Base 3, to disrupt insurgent's movements, as well as engaging with the local inhabitants to develop relationships.

This image is available for non-commercial, high resolution download at www.defenceimages.mod.uk subject to terms and conditions. Search for image number 45151347.jpg

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Photographer: Cpl Barry Lloyd RLC

Image 45151347.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

A member of Air Task Force - Iraq takes advantage of some downtime between flights to get in a work out at the gym during Operation IMPACT on March 2, 2015.

Photo: OP Impact, DND

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Un membre de la Force opérationnelle aérienne en Irak profite d’une période de repos entre deux vols pour s’entraîner au gymnase, dans le cadre de l’opération IMPACT, le 2 mars 2015.

Photo : Opération Impact, MDN

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Yesterday (Wednesday 11 March 2020), officers from Greater Manchester Police and the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) executed a number of warrants at Great Ducie Street, Manchester.

Officers from GMP and the City of London Police - the national policing lead for fraud – worked alongside UK immigration, meaning a total of 100 officers and staff members were involved in the operation.

The search warrant, which developed from a previous operation that involved the sale and distribution of counterfeit items, saw thousands of labels, computer equipment and cash seized.

Detectives are currently exploring links between the counterfeit operation and Serious Organised Crime, helping to fund criminal activity beyond Greater Manchester.

15 people were arrested, after officers uncovered an estimated £7.5 million worth of branded clothing, shoes and perfume suspected to be counterfeit.

Chief Inspector Kirsten Buggy, of GMP’s North Manchester division, said: “Yesterday’s operation is one of the largest of its kind ever carried out in the area and has taken a meticulous amount of planning and preparation.

“I am thankful to colleagues from the City of London Police, who as the national policing lead for fraud, have worked in partnership with officers from GMP and helped bring about yesterday’s direct action. I am also grateful to those from UK Immigration for their help.

“Such partnerships are absolutely vital when tackling counterfeit operations, as they bring specialisms from across the country together in a bid to make an impactive and real difference. Steps such as yesterday are often only the start when it comes to investigating the scale of these operations and we will continue to work in conjunction with the City of London’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit to tackle this type of offending to its’ very core.

“It is important to recognise the far-reaching and serious impact of sophisticated and large scale counterfeit operations such as this one; and I would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public of the repercussions of this kind of offending and the link to organised criminal activity. Please be under no illusion- this type of crime is not victimless.”

Police staff investigator Charlotte Beattie, of the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), said:

“The counterfeit goods business is a deceiving one and the key message to be take away from this operation, is that counterfeiting is not a victimless crime.

“An individual may think that when buying counterfeit goods they are only affecting a multi-million pound brand, and won’t matter, when in fact they are helping to fund organised criminal activity. Counterfeit goods also pose a health risk to individuals as they usually are not fit for purpose or have not gone through the legal health and safety checks.

“Working in partnership has ensured that today’s operation has been a success. We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police and UK Immigration to tackle the scourge of the counterfeit goods problem.”

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website. www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk.

A Canadian Armed Forces member soaks the side of a tent during fire brigade training in Kuwait during Operation IMPACT on December 30, 2015.

Photo: Op IMPACT, DND

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Un membre des Forces armées canadiennes asperge le panneau d’une tente au cours de la formation du corps de pompiers au Koweït, dans le cadre de l’opération IMPACT, le 30 décembre 2015.

Photo : Op IMPACT, MDN

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450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron aircrew escort British Columbia (BC) Wildfire Service members into the CH-147 Chinook helicopter at YKA Kamloops Airport, to assist with personnel transportation in support of Operation LENTUS to help provincial and local authorities stabilize the BC wildfire situation in Kamloops, BC, on July 10, 2021.

Photo by: Sailor 1st Class Victoria Ioganov, MARPAC Imaging Services, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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L’équipage du 450e Escadron tactique d’hélicoptères accompagne des employés des services de lutte contre les feux de forêt de la Colombie Britannique (C. B) à bord de l’hélicoptère CH-147 Chinook, à l’aéroport de Kamloops (YKA), pour aider au transport du personnel dans le cadre de l’opération LENTUS, qui vise à aider les autorités locales et provinciales à stabiliser la situation des feux de forêt en C. B., à Kamloops, en C. B., le 10 juillet 2021.

Photo : Matelot de 1re classe Victoria Ioganov, Services d’imagerie des FMAR(P), Forces armées canadiennes

Greater Manchester Police has launched Operation North Star – our initiative to help protect communities during the festive period and bring criminals to justice.

This is aligned to the government’s “Winter of Action” plan, which was recently unveiled by the Home Secretary following the success of the government’s Safer Streets summer initiative.

Action for Winter activity will see police forces partner with local businesses, authorities, and police and crime commissioners to target shop theft and anti-social behaviour, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to make our streets safer.

This forcewide operation will demonstrate our commitment to keeping people and their property safe during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods in local policing.

Bringing together neighbourhood policing teams, specialist departments, and partner agencies across Greater Manchester, we are committed to deliver both prevention and enforcement activities in the lead up to Christmas and into the New Year.

A key date within the eight-week initiative was the launch of the Manchester Christmas Markets, with it being a key attraction to residents from Greater Manchester and those visiting from further afield. With millions of people expected to descend on the hundreds of stalls,

increased resources from GMP have been allocated to keep the markets a safe and enjoyable space for all.

Our officers and partners will be more visible as we work together across problematic areas to tackle priority crime types, including:

Violence prevention, with particular emphasis on domestic abuse and the safety of women and girls in public place.

Targeted action against drink and drug driving.

Enhanced burglary prevention and investigation.

Robust response to personal robbery and theft.

Dedicated focus on vehicle crime.

Increased cybercrime prevention and awareness.

Comprehensive retail crime prevention

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, GMP’s lead for Local Policing, said: “In 2025, we welcomed the government’s pledge for stronger and safer streets in Greater Manchester through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. 

Operation North Star aligns to the government’s Winter of Action initiative and our commitment to working in unison with partners to reduce crime and protect the communities we serve.

“Our priority will be strengthening engagement with local communities to hear their concerns and respond effectively. Residents and business owners can expect greater visibility of officers and partners as we work together to ensure a safe winter for everyone.

“During last year’s festive operation, we made 784 arrests, which was an increase on both 2022 and 2023. This isn’t about limiting people’s enjoyment - it’s about creating an environment where everyone can have a good time without feeling unsafe or at risk of harm.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure everyone can do this by having the right resources in the right places at the right times, to help the most vulnerable, and to provide a swift and effective response to incidents when they occur.”

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Operation North Star is about making sure everyone in Greater Manchester can enjoy the festive season safely.

“We’re backing our frontline officers and partner agencies to be visible and proactive -

preventing anti-social behaviour and crime and making our neighbourhoods places where people feel confident walking home, enjoying time with family and friends, and shopping locally.

“This operation reflects our shared commitment in our ‘Standing Together’ police and crime plan and supports the Greater Manchester Strategy’s ambition for safer communities - where people feel secure, supported, and connected.

“I want to reassure residents and visitors that officers and partners are out there not just to respond to incidents, but to prevent harm, offer support, and help build the kind of communities we all want to live in - safe, inclusive, and resilient this winter and beyond.”

To receive free direct email alerts about how your Neighbourhood Policing Team is keeping your area safe, sign up to Bee in the Loop - www.beeintheloop.co.uk.

To report crime in your neighbourhood, contact the police via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling 101 or dialling 999 in an emergency.

Members of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG fix a small engine during Operation PROJECTION-NEON on 15 September 2020.

Photo: Sailor 1st Class Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services

Des membres d’équipage du Navire canadien de Sa Majesté (NCSM) WINNIPEG réparent un petit moteur au cours de l’opération PROJECTION-NEON, le 15 septembre 2020.

Photo : Matelot de 1re classe Valerie LeClair, Services d’imagerie des FMAR(P)

Her Majesty's Canadian Ship FREDERICTON's CH-124 Sea King helicopter prepares to hoist a crew member from the foc'sle as part of a training exercise while transiting to the Mediterranean Sea for Operation REASSURANCE on January 3, 2015.

Photo: Maritime Task Force - OP Reassurance, DND

L’hélicoptère CH-124 Sea King du Navire canadien de Sa Majesté Fredericton se prépare à hisser un membre de l’équipage à partir du gaillard d’avant durant un exercice d’entraînement tenu pendant que le Fredericton navigue vers la mer Méditerranée pour prendre part à l’opération REASSURANCE, le 3 janvier 2015.

Photo : Force opérationnelle maritime - Op REASSURANCE, MDN

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A soldier from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment jumps from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a wings exchange jump in Eastern Europe on September 13, 2014.

Photo: Corporal Dolores Crampton, Directorate of Army Public Affairs

Un soldat du 3e Bataillon, The Royal Canadian Regiment saute d’un hélicoptère UH-60 Black Hawk, dans le cadre d’un saut avec échange de parachutes, le 13 septembre 2014, en Europe de l’Est.

Photo : Caporal Dolores Crampton, Direction des affaires publiques (Armée de terre)

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Commander Dale St Croix, Commander of HMCS HALIFAX provides a tour of the ship to his guests during Operation REASSURANCE while alongside Riga, Latvia on 22 April 2022.

Please credit: Pte Connor Bennett Canadian Armed Forces photo

New York Army National Guard Soldiers of the 133rd Composite Supply Company, part of the 53rd Troop Command, unpack cots at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City March 26, 2020. The convention center will be an alternate care site to ease the bed shortage of New York Hospitals as part of the state response to the COVID-19 outbreak (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Sean Madden)

Members of the Air Detachment deployed with Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto, conduct Hot Fuelling, and Helicopter in Flight Fuelling during Operation REASSURANCE on 5 September 2020.

Photo Credit: Cpl White-Finkle, Canadian Armed Forces Photo

Sergeant Dustin Bleker, of 1 PPCLI B Company, Immediate Response Unit (West) extinguishes a hot spot near La Ronge, Saskatchewan during Operation LENTUS 15-02 on July 10, 2015.

Photo: MCpl Mélanie Ferguson, Canadian Army Public Affairs

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Le sergent Dustin Bleker de la compagnie B du PPCLI de l’Unité d’intervention immédiate (Ouest) éteint un point menaçant près de La Ronge, en Saskatchewan, au cours de l’opération LENTUS 15-02, le 10 juillet 2015.

Photo : Cplc Mélanie Ferguson, Affaires publiques de l’Armée canadienne

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Canadian CF-188s and Portuguese F-16s line the short pad at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania during Operation REASSURANCE, in support of NATO Baltic Air Policing Block 36 on August 29, 2014.

Photo: Cpl Kenneth Galbraith, CFJIC/Combat Camera

Des CF188 canadiens et des F-16 portugais s’alignent à l’écart de la piste de la base aérienne de Šiauliai (Lituanie), le 29 août 2014, en vue d’appuyer les opérations du bloc 36 de la police aérienne des pays baltes de l’OTAN, dans le cadre de l’opération Reassurance.

Photo : Cpl Kenneth Galbraith, CIIFC/Caméra de combat

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Greater Manchester Police officers were out in Heywood yesterday conducting vehicle checks as part of the week of action.

During the operation, several vehicles were pulled in and checked for offences including not using/ improper use of a seatbelt, use of a mobile phone, speeding and contravening a red light. In addition, three people received summons to court to appear at a later date and two uninsured vehicles were seized.

Sgt. Matthew Honey of Heywood’s neighbourhood policing team said: “Yesterday, was another successful policing operation conducted in Heywood, alongside colleagues in our Transport Unit.

“Despite the operation coinciding with the Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, we want to assure residents that today’s activity is not a one-off; the neighbourhood policing team is working hard to clamp down on and tackle the issues that matter most to you.

“Yesterday’s traffic operation is just one of many that have been conducted over the last 12 months, during which we have seized weapons, drugs, dangerous vehicles and have also reported 100s of drivers for traffic offences.

“Whether it’s burglaries, anti-social behaviour or traffic offences, you will continue to see more proactive operations to tackle these offences.

“I would encourage residents to contact us with any concerns or information they might have so we act on it – if it’s a concern for you, it’s a concern for us.”

Bee In the Loop is your direct line to your neighbourhood policing team and will keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community. Sign up now to receive free text or email alerts – orlo.uk/Wxhgb

Captain DeWolfe (seated) with Petty Officer 2nd Class Veras review briefing notes from Joint Task Force – IMPACT / Task Force – Central, in Lebanon on September 10, 2020.

Please credit: MCpl J.W.S Houck, JTF-I – Public Affairs

La capitaine DeWolfe (assise) et le maître de 2e classe Veras examinent les notes d’information de la Force opérationnelle interarmées – IMPACT / Force opérationnelle (Centre), au Liban, le 10 septembre 2020.

Photo : Cplc J.W.S Houck, Affaires publiques – FOI-I

Canadian traffic technicians deployed as part of Operation IMPACT work in partnership with the United States Air Force, United States Army and the Royal Danish Army to load a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130 Hercules at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, on March 27, 2020. The plane will deliver supplies to Coalition members in other parts of the Middle East.

Image by: Cpl Nicolas Alonso

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Les techniciens des mouvements canadiens déployés dans le cadre de l'opération IMPACT travaillent en partenariat avec l’armée et l’aviation américaines, ainsi que l’Armée royale danoise, pour charger un CC-130 Hercules de l’Aviation royale canadienne à la base aérienne Ali Al Salem (Koweït) le 27 mars 2020. L'avion livrera du matériel aux membres de la coalition dans d'autres régions du Moyen-Orient.

Image par : Cpl Nicolas Alonso

The Maryland National Guard’s 32nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team conducted training at Garrett College and Garrett County Airport August 20-24, 2012 in Western Maryland. The 32nd WMD-CST's mission was to build a partnership with local responders and assess the team's response and travel time. The Survey Team checked for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats and collected samples. Spc. April-Mae Ridenour (left) and Cpl. Jeffrey Jones of the 32nd CST, do a final equipment check as they prepare to enter a building at Garrett College during training Operation Deep Water at Deep Creek Lake, Md.

Operation AVRO is a forcewide initiative that delivers a surge of extra resources and specialist officers to a different district within Greater Manchester each month.

This month saw the operation take place in Bury.

The operation targets crimes that members of the public in that district have told us give them the most concern.

Members of the press and key partners, including local representatives, are invited to attend Operation AVRO deployments to see results first-hand and conduct important multi-agency work, such as welfare visits.

More details on AVRO can be found by visiting gmp.police.uk and following us on social media.

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

French and Chad military participate in a flag ceremony to commemorate the launch of Operation Barkhane. Operation Barkhane is an anti-terrorist operation in Africa's Sahel region beginning in July 2014. It consists of a 3,000-strong French force, which will be permanent and headquartered in N’Djamena, Chad. The operation has been designed with five countries, and former French colonies, that span the Sahel: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. (U.S. Army Africa photos by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Martin S. Bonner)

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica

A French Navy NH90 helicopter from NATO Task Force 473 conducts drills with HMCS REGINA during Operation ARTEMIS in the Pacific Ocean on April 23 2019.

Photo: Corporal Stuart Evans, BORDEN Imaging Services

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Greater Manchester Police has launched a major operation that will see more than 50 officers a day, alongside Manchester City Council and university staff carry out a number of tactics to tackle student-related crime.

Statistics show that 1 in 10 students will become a victim of crime while studying in Manchester, so this operation aims to ensure the 70,000 students descending on universities across the city have a safe and enjoyable experience.

"Greater Manchester is a fantastic place for people to study and we want to welcome new and returning students. However, many students become so busy enjoying their new lives that they forget personal safety issues.

"We understand that crime prevention will not be one of their top priorities, but unfortunately some criminals do see students as easy targets. In particular, over the last three years, 16 per cent of burglaries within the city of Manchester involved students," said Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson heading up the operation.

"We will be doing everything in our power to prevent students becoming victims of crime by working with the universities to provide students with advice on keeping themselves and their property safe and ensuring those responsible are caught and brought to justice."

Over the coming months Operation Safe Return will see GMP working alongside Manchester City Council and staff at each university carrying out high-profile patrols on foot, bicycles and in vehicles, targeting the main hotspot areas.

Video cameras will be used to gather intelligence and known offenders of student crime will be targeted. PCSOs will be visiting the homes of students who live in vulnerable areas to carry out crime prevention surveys and provide advice.

Officers will also deliver face-to-face talks to welcome new students to the city and urge them to become more security savvy. While other students will be shown a DVD, including information about how to keep themselves and their property safe.

Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson continues: "There are some really simple steps that students can take to protect themselves becoming a victim of crime. Our advice is that while out and about, you should keep to well-lit areas, stay in groups and keep valuables such as phones and MP3 players out of sight.

"At your student accommodation, make sure that doors and windows are locked - even when you are in and remember to set the alarm. If you're going out at night, leave a light on to give the impression someone is home."

Cllr Jim Battle, Manchester City Council's Deputy Leader, said: "Manchester is a great city for students, and we want to send out a clear message that by sticking to a few simple steps, they can make sure they remain safe during their time here."

Posters advising students on how to stop themselves falling victim to robbery and burglary will be displayed around the university campus' and in the residential areas. Crime prevention messages will also be displayed on lamppost banners down the Oxford Road corridor.

Students are also encouraged to register their valuables on www.immobilise.com. It's a quick, easy and free way of logging the details of your property on a national database that police can access and compare against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.

For more advice on keeping safe, students can log on to: www.manchester.gov.uk/StudentSafety

The Ambassador of Canada to Romania, Annick Goulet, Canada’s ambassador for Women Peace and Security, Jacqueline O'Neill with Canadian Armed Forces members, Romanian Army members and United States Army representatives attend the Women, Peace and Security event in Bucharest, Romania on November 2, 2022.

Please credit: Corporal Eric Chaput, Canadian Armed Forces photo

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L’ambassadrice du Canada en Roumanie, Annick Goulet, l’ambassadrice du Canada pour les femmes, la paix et la sécurité, Jacqueline O'Neill, ainsi que des membres des Forces armées canadiennes, des membres des forces armées de la Roumanie et des représentants de l’armée américaine assistent à un événement sur le thème des femmes, de la paix et de la sécurité à Bucarest, en Roumanie, le 2 novembre 2022.

Photo : Caporal Eric Chaput, Forces armées canadiennes