A team of plain clothes officers have been deployed in Trafford this weekend in a bid to keep residents safe.

The non-uniformed officers are in hotspot locations across the borough to prevent and reduce crime as part of Operation Tahara.

Officers will be utilising their police powers to carry out stop searches, seize illegal objects, and arrest suspects. As part of Operation Tahara they will also be diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime.

Detective superintendent Dave Meeney, who oversees Operation Tahara, said: “Engagement is a really effective tactic in preventing and reducing crime - that’s why this team is deployed to hotspot locations at peak times, when we know young people are more likely to be in public spaces and looking for something to do.

“The officers wear plain clothes so, whilst those who live and work in these areas might not see a high-visibility police presence, they can be reassured that GMP is regularly striving to deploy the most suitable officers to the right places at the right times in order to build a resilient community for current and future generations.

“Operation Tahara is building on firm foundations laid by the Xcalibre team, which was established in 2006 and successfully reduced gun crime in South Manchester.

"The team remains integral to policing in this area and the force, with partner agencies, is currently assessing how it can evolve to tackle current issues.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via the force’s website, gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Information about crime can also be reported anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.