City centre police appeal for further information following rise in theft incidents

Date published: 09 November 2022

After initial enquiries, Greater Manchester Police are now appealing for help from the public in identifying the following people in these photos, as officers would like to speak to them in connection with a number of separate incidents involving thefts from person in the city centre over the last few weeks.

If you think you might know them or have more recent sightings of them, get in touch.

Information or details can be shared by dialling 101, through the LiveChat function on: gmp.police.uk, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Incident 1

Police would like to speak to the man and woman (pictured above) in relation to a theft from a person involving a mobile phone on Mosley Street outside Sainsbury’s Local.

This was after a report came in at approximately 3pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 1857 of 11/10/22.

Incident 2

These two men (below) are still being sought by officers who would like to speak to them following a series of bank card thefts.

The offences occurred at around 4pm on Friday, September 23, 2022 in Manchester city centre.

The bank cards were stolen and then used to pay for expensive items in Argos Sainsbury's in Salford.

One victim reported that they had their mobile phone stolen as well.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2508 of 23/09/22.

Incident 3

The city centre team would like to identify this man (below) and speak to him regarding another theft of a mobile phone from the reception desk at SakkuSamba restaurant on Bridge Street.

This was where a distraction technique was used at around 5:30pm on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2387 of 22/10/22.

Incident 4

Neighbourhood officers would also like to speak to this woman and boy (pictured below) after another theft of person report was made on Oxford Road.

This was reported on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at around 3:30pm.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 1979 of 23/10/22.

Incidents 5 and 6

Police want to speak to this person (below) relating to two theft of persons incidents at the Superdrug store in Piccadilly (Wednesday, October 26 – 5pm) as well as the Barburrito restaurant in the Arndale (Thursday, October 27 – 3:15pm) nearby that officers believe are linked where mobile phones have been taken again.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2835 of 26/10/22 or incident number 1979 of 27/10/22.

Incident 7

Officers are keen to speak to this man (pictured below) after a mobile phone was taken from a shop on Ducie Street.

This happened at around 7pm on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2795 of 01/11/22.

Sergeant Kam Hare of the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Thankfully in all the instances no one has been physically injured, but regardless of this, it is a crime that has a huge impact on each person as personal belongings have been taken.

“Intel suggests some people are coming from outside the Greater Manchester area from other big cities into the city centre here to commit these crimes, but with a significant rise it is something we are taking very seriously and are committing sizeable resources as well as investigating every case to ensure we keep people in the city centre safe.

“Whilst we have secured some great arrests, we are still looking for a number of suspects and to help the public we have some great preventative tips to ensure you keep your belongings safe and secure during the upcoming busy festive period.”

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