GMP Warns 'We'll Be Knocking on Doors' After Over 2,000 Emergency Calls and Dozens of Arrests on Bonfire Night
Greater Manchester – Greater Manchester Police has issued a stern warning to offenders after a major force-wide operation saw officers field more than 2,000 emergency calls, make over two dozen arrests, and seize weapons and fireworks during a volatile Bonfire Night.
The large-scale response, dubbed Operation Treacle, was launched to tackle a surge in anti-social behaviour and firework-related crime across the region. Between Halloween and the 5th of November, over 500 officers were deployed to hotspot areas.
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On Bonfire Night alone, the force logged 350 incidents relating to fireworks, a significant jump from around 200 reported during the same period last year. By 11 PM, call handlers had created several thousand incident logs, reflecting a marked increase in demand compared to the previous year.
In a wide-ranging crackdown, GMP confirmed more than two dozen arrests were made, over 140 fireworks were confiscated, and a number of weapons were taken off the streets. An uninsured vehicle involved in anti-social behaviour was also seized.
Despite the spike in calls and incidents, the force noted that the number of officially recorded anti-social behaviour (ASB) offences was lower than last year. Police believe this may be a result of increased patrols deterring potential offenders and greater community awareness leading to earlier reports.
To prevent serious violence and public disorder, police enforced three dispersal zones in Bolton, Gorton, and Rochdale using Section 60 powers, which allow officers to stop and search individuals within a designated area.
In Rochdale, neighbourhood officers were on high alert throughout the evening, conducting patrols in known trouble spots and providing crucial support to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service crews as they managed bonfire activity.
The force's control room faced immense pressure, with a significant increase in 999 calls. Despite the volume, GMP maintained an impressive average response time of just four seconds. The non-emergency 101 line also saw a slight rise in calls, but waiting times were successfully reduced to under a minute, a significant improvement on the previous year.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police emphasised that their work is swift and decisive. "Our officers work tirelessly to protect and serve the public, and they should never be subjected to this kind of behaviour. We had an enhanced policing presence in place and our teams responded quickly and decisively to keep people safe".
The large-scale response, dubbed Operation Treacle, was launched to tackle a surge in anti-social behaviour and firework-related crime across the region. Between Halloween and the 5th of November, over 500 officers were deployed to hotspot areas.
.jpg)
On Bonfire Night alone, the force logged 350 incidents relating to fireworks, a significant jump from around 200 reported during the same period last year. By 11 PM, call handlers had created several thousand incident logs, reflecting a marked increase in demand compared to the previous year.
In a wide-ranging crackdown, GMP confirmed more than two dozen arrests were made, over 140 fireworks were confiscated, and a number of weapons were taken off the streets. An uninsured vehicle involved in anti-social behaviour was also seized.
Despite the spike in calls and incidents, the force noted that the number of officially recorded anti-social behaviour (ASB) offences was lower than last year. Police believe this may be a result of increased patrols deterring potential offenders and greater community awareness leading to earlier reports.
To prevent serious violence and public disorder, police enforced three dispersal zones in Bolton, Gorton, and Rochdale using Section 60 powers, which allow officers to stop and search individuals within a designated area.
In Rochdale, neighbourhood officers were on high alert throughout the evening, conducting patrols in known trouble spots and providing crucial support to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service crews as they managed bonfire activity.
The force's control room faced immense pressure, with a significant increase in 999 calls. Despite the volume, GMP maintained an impressive average response time of just four seconds. The non-emergency 101 line also saw a slight rise in calls, but waiting times were successfully reduced to under a minute, a significant improvement on the previous year.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police emphasised that their work is swift and decisive. "Our officers work tirelessly to protect and serve the public, and they should never be subjected to this kind of behaviour. We had an enhanced policing presence in place and our teams responded quickly and decisively to keep people safe".
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