Greater Manchester Police (GMP) laid down a physical marker this morning that confirmed the relaunch of an operation tackling personal robberies as shops reopen.
Retailers began trading again this morning (15 June), leading to increased footfall across the city centre.
In an attempt to prevent theft in the area, GMP has relaunched Operation Valiant – which has led to the arrest “of hundreds and hundreds of offenders” since 2018.
The operation aims to both deter offenders and educate the public about the risks and different steps they can use to keep themselves safe.
Speaking at the GMP press conference at Piccadilly Gardens, Superintendent Chris Hill, the officer in charge of the Forces Response to Personal Robbery, commented: “Operation Valiant is a force-wide initiative to bring offenders to justice and educate members of the public about remaining alert and look after their own possessions.
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“We’re going to have to shop differently now. People are going to have to be more alert. We’re gonna have to queue outside shops, and that just might give the offender that opportunity and chance.
“Our offenders do have some great tactics, sometimes it’s a quick hit, they could potentially use pedal cycles or just run past.
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“The message is just be extra alert, look after your possessions, and just be aware of your surroundings.”
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The superintendent also stated that well as targeting offenders, officers would be approaching members of the public and offering guidance on how to protect themselves in the new climate.
“…when we’re seeing members of the public on their mobile phones or just stood there texting, we’re giving them a little leaflet that says: You could have been a victim today,” he explained.
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“We’ve already seen a big significant turnout (of shoppers) in the city this week.
“As soon as you leave your home you need to be extra vigilant. We don’t have any defined hotspots where you’re going to come across our offenders.
“Be vigilant and be alert. Help us to help you.”
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According to GMP, Operation Valiant has not just resulted in the successful arrest of offenders, but also longer sentences.
“The real positive thing is, we’re now working with our partners, we’re working with CPS, and we’ve got some fantastic custodial resources,” said Superintendent Hill.
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“On recently… one of our community members attacked and robbed on the trams, and the offenders have just got six years each.
“There was another series of offences over in another area in Manchester – they got 12 years each.
“So, what we’re doing now is utilising our experience, we’re more confident now in liaising with our partners and we’re pulling together that series of incidents to make sure offenders are going to prison for a long time.”
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GMP will be deploying high-visibility patrols in the coming weeks right the way through the region – as well as covert officers.
In a press release, GMP issued the following message to members of the public: “If you see something suspicious or want to report a crime, you can do so via the GMP website or by calling 101.
“Always dial 999 in an emergency.”
News
Coronation Street and Emmerdale cancel filming after news of cutbacks and reduced schedule
Danny Jones
Coronation Street and Emmerdale production crews are said to have cancelled at least one day of filming this week following news of more cutbacks and a reduced schedule of programming.
The beloved British soaps have been up against it for some time now, with viewing figures and costs struggling at both ends of the spectrum, and the latest development doesn’t spell great news for the cast and crew, not to mention audiences.
According to Digital Spy, regularly scheduled filming was due to take place in Manchester and Leeds on Tuesday, 5 February, with each show shooting roughly six to eight weeks in advance of storylines.
However, following reports of more hits to the industry and the latest steps ITV, specifically, which will see fewer episodes of both Corrie and Emmerdale air each week, film crews are said to have been stood down as they await further updates.
Part of the Coronation Street set over in Salford Quays. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Announcing steps at the start of February, ITV confirmed that Coronation Street and Emmerdale are to see their content cut by an hour a week between them from next year.
While Corrie currently broadcasts three hour-long episodes per week and Emmerdale four half-hour episodes plus one full-hour instalment, the new slate will see both soaps dial back to only air 30-minute episodes, with a so-called ‘soaps power hour’ every both shows at 8pm and 8:30pm.
Put in simplest terms, viewers will have half an hour less of their regular soaps to watch overall each week but with episodes airing at more regular intervals, which the network claims is “viewer-led” and will allow fans to enjoy the shows “in the most digestible way.”
Metro writer Duncan Lindsay has labelled the decision as a tough one to make but something that could ultimately “save” the two long-standing soap operas in the long run.
On the other hand, this obviously means a big chunk of work being lost for those working on sets across the board, with ITV having already taken steps to cut costs ever since the pandemic, and the UK’s viewing public has given mixed reactions, to say the least.
The hour of scripted content saved from the overdue cut to Corrie and Emmerdale should be pumped into a new continuing drama. It’s the only way to justify the loss to the industry.
With an increased focus on streaming and making both shows more accessible, episodes will continue to be released from 7am on ITVX before airing on live telly later that evening.
Responding to the changes, the performing arts union Equity admitted that the steps do cause “further cause for concern”, especially following the cancellation of other soaps like Doctors and Hollyoaks also having recently seen its schedule adjusted.
It remains unclear when the respective cast and crews will return to filming.
What do you make of the cutbacks: will you miss the sum total of 60 minutes being shaved off your Corrie and Emmerdale catch-ups, or do you think it’s a bittersweet step that could help freshen up the format and sustain it for years to come?
Already being described as “the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK”, some of the lodges will be located at the side of a lake, while others will offer views of a private savannah-style habitat that are home to Northern giraffes.
Bookings officially went live last Wednesday (29 January), and demand was “nothing short of phenomenal”, with the website crashing for a brief period and more than 550 bookings made so far.
But merely moments after this, people began hitting out at the prices for overnight stays.
Those working on the “very special” project say a stay at The Reserve will help to fund Chester Zoo’s global conservation projects.
Chester Zoo has issued a statement after people slammed the ‘totally ridiculous’ prices for safari-style lodges / Credit: Supplied
In the off-season, prices for the lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50, and then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486, but it’s worth nothing that this does include guided safari tours and going behind-the-scenes with the giraffes.
“As an international wildlife charity we wholly rely on public funding to carry out our species-saving work,” a Chester Zoo spokesperson said in defence of the pricing.
“The Reserve is the latest way that people may wish to help to directly fund our global conservation projects and make a difference to the future of some amazing, but sadly endangered, species.
“A stay at The Reserve includes so much more than a room for the night.
“Packages include elements such as a range of exclusive behind-the-scenes and animal experiences, breakfast, dinner and out-of-hours access to the zoo, as well as two-day passes and the chance to view wildlife straight from your lodge balcony.”
Find out more and book your stay in the new lodges on the Chester Zoo website here.
The Manc -
15th June 2020 
