AVRO RETURNS TO
Message from Detective Chief Inspector Jen
Reeve
A short year ago on 19 May 2024 I arrived at Wigan in the role of crime DCI and sadly, Friday 2 May 2025 was my last day at Wigan as I have now moved to the Professional Standards Directorate (PSD). Despite feeling slightly sad about leaving Wigan, I am looking forward to the new challenge and learning a new area of business in my new role.
Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to all of you at Wigan for the hard work that you do every day. Some of you will not know, but I spent my first 13 or 14 years based at the Wigan district and I was delighted to be posted back here last year. Your first posting always has a special place in your heart; it is where you make your first arrest, go on your first blue light run, interview your first prisoner and also where you first get the satisfaction of telling a victim
that you have dealt with their report to the best of your ability and got the right outcome for them. For me, that is what this job is all about. We do what we do for victims of crime and to prevent others becoming a victim of crime.
Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of our day jobs, it is easy to lose sight of that and to feel like you are running around like a headless chicken from job to job, or from meeting to meeting. I implore you to take a moment and really think about what you have achieved for victims and communities over the last 12 months.
It doesn’t matter what role you have; we are all part of the team making a difference to the lives of people living in, working in or visiting Wigan.
On reflection, over the last 12 months, I have seen so many great things happening at Wigan, such as the introduction of DAPN’s, the implementation of the District Operating
Model including the new Domestic Abuse Team, numerous students being confirmed in rank, the dismantling of some high harm OCG’s, numerous successful convictions of offenders, and much, much more. I’m proud to have been part of some of that over the last year.
As well as reflecting over the last 12 months, take a moment to think about what you want to achieve for the community over the next 12 months.
Wigan is going from strength to strength which is down to the hard work that you all put in every day. How can you continue to challenge yourselves to improve even further and get the best outcomes for victims? With everyone working together, the next 12 months will be a great year for Wigan.
Please remember to look after each other and yourselves and take pride in what you do, every day.
Goodbye for now, Jen.
Wigan vulnerability and cuckooing AVRO sees 52 arrests and £35,000 in cash seized
On Thursday 15 May 2025, officers, specialist resources and partner agencies across the Wigan and Leigh district were out in full force on a very sunny day for Operation AVRO.
The theme for this day of action was vulnerability and cuckooing, with neighbourhood officers and partners making visits throughout the community where they targeted vulnerability hotspots as well as high-risk locations to speak with residents and protect victims.
The day kicked off bright and early with Challenger and County Lines warrants taking place across Ashton in Makerfield, Scholes, Atherton, Whelley and Astley to tackle organised crime across the district.
From these warrants, £35,000 in cash was seized, 1.5 kilos of cannabis and three large bags of a suspected controlled substance, as well as a telescopic baton and hundreds of illicit cigarettes and vapes.
The day of action resulted in 52 people arrested, with 24 of those charged so far.
A cuckooing car operation, conducted by officers and partner agencies, made 11 visits to suspected locations of vulnerability.
Other activities of the day included traffic stops, crime surgeries and schoolbased awareness talks around county lines.
The afternoon saw a briefing in Leigh Town Centre with neighbourhood officers from across the borough together with support from partners, which included Wigan Council licensing teams, environmental health, and community safety officers, and Trading Standards.
The teams were also joined by the Mounted Unit – Cicero, Little Dorrit (Dotty), Bumble and Marvel who at six years old is one of the youngest in the fleet and is excelling in all aspects of his training.
Traffic officers were out on Manchester Road carrying out traffic stops on one of the main thoroughfares through the region. Stops resulted in 67 traffic offence reports (TORs) and 12 vehicles seized. This location had been raised to us as a concern from local residents.
Drivers were spoken to for various offences including driving without a seatbelt, vehicle defects, using mobile phones and obscured licence plates.
Traffic officers were supported by neighbourhood PCs and PCSOs
together with the tutor unit who were training new student officers. Partners from Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau were also in attendances making insurance checks and taxi licensing checks.
Chief Superintendent Danny O’Neil from our Wigan and Leigh district, said: “Operation AVRO returned to Wigan and Leigh and delivered successful results.
“Officers from our neighbourhood policing teams, neighbourhood crime teams, challenger, county lines, specialst operations and Tactical Aid Unit all collaborated with our partner agencies to tackle issues in our communities including county lines, domestic abuse offences, anti-social behaviour, traffic offences, retail crime and more.
“Officers and partners met with residents and held awareness talks at schools to help maintain good relationships and communication with the people of Wigan & Leigh.
“Operations like AVRO show our communities that we are listening to their concerns and are acting upon them accordingly.”
Death of Pope Francis
It was with great sadness that on Easter Monday morning news of the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was announced by the Vatican to an unsuspecting world; and memories of our Catholic Police Guild (CPG) visit to Rome in 2014 to celebrate the centenary of the Guild become once more a happy memory to those fortunate enough to have made that pilgrimage and been in the presence of our late Holy Father.
The image shows me and the Guild’s chair at the time, PC Andrew Nattrass, presenting His Holiness with a traditional ‘British bobby’ custodian helmet, an illuminated copy of the prayer of St Michael and a specially commissioned CPG medal.
Although Pope Francis had been unwell for several weeks and his decline in health and frailty was becoming more noticeable, nevertheless his attendance at the Easter Sunday Mass, and appearance on St Peter’s balcony to deliver his Easter Urbi et Orbi to the world and those gathered in St Peter’s Square, only added to the shock of the sad news of his death. For a man who loved being amongst his people, this last official engagement will have been an occasion he would have enjoyed.
With hindsight, his last tour in the familiar Popemobile through the crowds gathered on Via Conciliazione, and in St Peter’s Square seem like the last lap made at the end of some great concert or event, and the 12-year papacy of Pope Francis was most certainly a great event not only within the Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church, but for believers and nonbelievers alike, as without fear or favour Pope Francis travelled the globe praying and preaching the Gospel
message of peace and forgiveness.
During these past weeks of frailty leading up to the Easter celebrations, Pope Francis has shown us the power and true meaning of the Easter message: that death is not the end but the beginning of life everlasting. Now, he has returned to the Father’s House, and the Easter promise for him is fulfilled.
Our prayer for our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis is that he now rests in the love and embrace of the Risen Lord.
Requiescat in Pace.
Father Barry Lomax
National Chaplain & Fellow of the Catholic Police Guild of England & Wales, and Force Lead Chaplain to GMP
Craig Higgins Challenge 2025
Members of GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) have taken on the UK’s fourth longest walk, travelling the full length of Hadrian’s Wall in four days in memory of a deceased colleague and to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
In total the team covered more than 95 miles, leaving Bowness-On-Solway in Cumbria on Monday 21 April and finishing in Wallsend in North Tyneside on Thursday 24 April 2025, before returning home the next day.
On average they walked more than 22 miles per day, finishing the route with some variations and deviations – such as walking
to and from campsites – for a grand total of 218,801 steps. They completed the challenge as a memorial for former TAU officer PC Craig Higgins, who died after becoming unwell on duty in March 2022. Craig was a much-respected member of the Tactical Aid Unit (TAU), who joined GMP in 2003 and made the move to TAU in 2008.
The team’s JustGiving page in aid of the British Heart Foundation has reached £6,660: more than six times their initial target of £1,000.
You can still donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/ craighigginschallenge.
Action Counters Terrorism community engagement
Counter-terrorism security advisors (CTSAs) have been advising businesses across the North West on how to protect their venues and employees, and help their staff prepare should a terrorist threat occur.
Around 230 people attended an engagement event held by the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday 30 April.
ACT encourages communities to help tackle terrorism by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity that doesn’t feel right. Businesses and members of the public are encouraged to complete the campaign’s award-winning ACT Awareness e-learning course to increase their own security awareness and learn what actions they can take which may help to counter terrorism.
The event was formally opened by Det Supt Alison Whittaker, head of Protect & Prepare at Counter Terrorism Policing North West. Det Supt Whittaker said: “The objective for the day was to provide attendees with an insight into the current threat and how attack methodology has evolved over the years in the UK, looking at what security advice and guidance is available to them, how to access it and who they can reach out to for further support. We need the community’s help to deter, detect and disrupt hostile and terrorist activity.”
“The speakers at the event included head of engagement at the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, Ch Insp Chris Simpson; Arndale Centre director David Allinson; National Counter Terrorism Policing Communication’s campaigns
team and our regional CTSAs.
“They delivered an insightful and impactful agenda which included a pre-recorded message from Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, who has tirelessly campaigned for Martyn’s Law [the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which requires venues hosting large groups of people to take additional measures to keep themselves safe from terror attacks]. She encouraged businesses to make use of the free resources available on the ProtectUK website and to share with their staff and neighbouring businesses.”
The session was supported by Janice McMahon from Stereoplast Healthcare, provider of public access trauma (PAcT) first aid kits, and GMP’s Project Servator team.
Project Servator is a policing tactic used by a number of UK police forces. It aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. It is an inclusive, collaborative community strategy aimed at protecting protect local areas and building upon plans already in place to ensure public safety and security.
Management at the Bridgewater Hall said they were ‘proud to have hosted such a high-profile event’, adding: ‘The relationship with and support from the team in CTPNW is invaluable to our business.’
All of ACT’s official protective security advice, guidance and training is free and readily available to access via www. protectuk.police/uk.
Operation Vulcan community event
In April 2025, Operation Vulcan joined the community of Derker for an event at Stoneleigh Park, arranged by Friends of Stoneleigh Park as part of the local council’s holiday activities.
Officers from Op Vulcan, neighbourhood officers and PCSOs were in attendance, giving local children the opportunity to meet GMP officers; take a tour of our vehicles and test out the blue light systems; try on uniforms; and learn about the role of the police in protecting them. The event also included interactive stalls and games, enabling attendees to learn more about our specialist teams, equipping them with life skills and crime prevention advice, and increasing their understanding of policing.
Det Supt Jen Kelly from Operation Vulcan said: “We know the lasting impact contact with the police can have and it’s so important that we get it right. By hosting community events like this, we hope to break down barriers with young people and ensure they can avoid falling victim to crime or exploitation by opportunistic criminal gangs who often seek to recruit young people.
“I’d like to thank all those who came along and spent time speaking to us. This was our first event in Derker since we launched our latest operation which aims to tackle the crime in the area, and it was great to see it so well attended by local children and families.
“These kinds of events can often be the perfect way for us
to engage with the community we serve in a fun and positive way, helping increase trust and confidence in us. We had some really positive and valuable feedback from residents about the work we’re doing to tackle issues locally and this proactivity will continue.”
The work of Op Vulcan in Derker follows the team’s operational successes in Cheetham Hill and Piccadilly Gardens, and will see GMP officers and partners carrying out sustained strategic disruptive activity to directly combat the issues which the community tell us are affecting them the most.
Working with Oldham Council, a variety of partner agencies, and using specialist resources from across the force, we’re determined to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug crime, vehicle crime and anti-social driving, child criminal exploitation, cuckooing, and violent crime.
Councillor Peter Dean, cabinet member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “It was great to see the Operation Vulcan team out in action at Stoneleigh Park, as neighbourhood policing is about so much more than tackling crime. This team is building relationships and really getting to know people in the area, building that trust and growing understanding.
“Open communication, particular with young people, about the work they do is vital to help people avoid crime and exploitation; so I’m glad to see the Vulcan team already off to a great start in that regard.”
GMP investigators present case at international
Two GMP team members have attended a prestigious international conference to share details of their work on an investigation which tested the boundaries of UK legislation.
DC Carly Baines of GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) and digital investigator Ryan Parkins of the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit (DFIU) had already received a chief superintendent’s branch award for their innovative investigation as part of Operation Garnet, the investigation into Hugh Nelson’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create indecent images of children. On Monday 19 May 2025, they attended the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) conference (formerly PIER) to deliver a presentation on the case.
Known worldwide as one the most important conferences focusing on online harms, IPPPRI25 brings together leading international and national speakers in the fields of academia and public protection to demonstrate the influence of academic research in informing real world change.
Supt Alex Bacon, GMP force lead for child protection, OCAIT and missing, said: “This is an excellent example of a collaborative and innovative investigation, tackling the latest threats in order to safeguard our communities. Both DC Baines and Parkins delivered a great presentation at this year’s IPPPRI conference, providing opportunities for attending practitioners, policymakers, academia and subject matter experts who attend the event, to look at how multi-agency responses can be improved.
“I am incredibly proud of them both and how well they put our OCAIT and DFIU at the forefront of online CSE investigations, demonstrating how GMP do all we can to protect children around the world.”
Operation Garnet
Hugh Nelson of Bolton pleaded guilty in August to 11 sexual offences relating to children, after pleading guilty to a further five offences in July 2023. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment followed by six years on licence, and
a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Nelson was initially investigated for utilising AI to generate child sexual abuse material of his customers’ victims. This investigation was a UK first, which tested the boundaries of current legislation and resulted in Nelson pleading guilty to 11 offences and receiving a 24-year sentence (18 years’ imprisonment, six years on licence, and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order).
DC Baines and Parkins collaborated nationally and internationally to tackle this new online offending typology – their investigation has set a precedent for future cases involving emerging technologies, attracting significant attention and requests to share learnings with other law enforcement agencies.
Their meticulous investigating found 1,800 Category A to C images and 2,000 prohibited images across three devices, with Nelson generating around £5,000 from sales. Eight ‘customers’ were also identified through chat logs.
The key priority for GMP throughout this investigation has been identifying the children portrayed in the images located on Nelson’s devices, or any others who may have been at risk of harm through Nelson’s extensive online networks with like-minded individuals. This complex search has led the investigators to uncover offenders and victims based in other parts of the world such as Italy, France and the USA. The evidence and intelligence they have collected has now been passed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies to enable them to make arrests, safeguard children and conduct investigations.
When Nelson was sentenced, DC Baines commented: “This case is a first in our area, and is a landmark case nationally, as technology continues to develop, grow, and become more frequently used for a variety of reasons. We’ve worked incredibly closely with several teams, including national investigation units and a specialist solicitor and prosecutor from the national Crown Prosecution Service team, to gather the strongest possible evidence to present, and to determine how to proceed.
“This case has been a real test of the legislation, as using computer programmes in this particular way is so new to this type of offending and isn’t specifically mentioned within current UK law. What this case will do is set a precedent for future cases, but hopefully also play a role in influencing what future legislation looks like, to ensure offenders can continue to feel the full force of the law.
“This operation has since gone global, with further arrests and safeguarding referrals made in various cities and countries across the UK and around the world. The investigation represents a continuation of how policing and criminal justice partners are constantly broadening their capabilities to deal with new technologies as they emerge, with an unwavering commitment to protecting children and removing predators from the streets.”
Head of OCAIT DCI Jen Tattersall said: “This case is a real testament to how we and criminal justice partners, such as the
present pioneering international conference
CPS, can evolve and adapt as offenders do, to ensure we are still able to seek justice for victims, despite new trends and ways of offending.
Hugh Nelson is an extremely dangerous man who thought he could get away with what he was doing by using modern technology. He was wrong and has now felt the full force of the law for his actions.
“The internet should be a safe space for all, but sadly there are perverse individuals out there looking to exploit those who are vulnerable or encourage others into criminal behaviour. Protecting children is our biggest priority, and our proactive approach to tackling child protection crime has seen positive outcomes increase and overall crime decrease. We would encourage anyone suffering to come forward to us so we can take robust action.”
Child protection staff engagement project
In 2024, the GMP Staff Engagement team embarked on a dedicated engagement project with colleagues across our child protection teams. This initiative was launched following a request from ACC Sarah Jackson, who was the Child Protection Lead at the time, and has since been continued by ACC Steph Parker.
A subsequent report, which included anonymised input from colleagues, was shared with ACC Parker. This report highlighted key tailored actions at both the district and forcewide levels to make improvements to areas such as environment, processes and recognition.
In September 2024, the Senior Command Team (SCT) initiated a child protection project in response to the recent HMICFRS inspection findings and other challenges faced by the force in this area. Led by the Change branch on behalf of the Public Protection division (PPD), the project also focused on wellbeing. By January 2025, the project presented options to PPD and SCT, including recommendations linked to the engagement report findings, several of which have been implemented.
We are now excited to share some of the positive steps that have been taken since the presentation of this report back in Autumn 2024:
• Interview room improvements: A review of the rooms where children are interviewed was conducted to assess potential improvements. As a result, ACC Parker has commissioned a separate project (VRI) to work on this recommendation.
• Child Protection training: A one-day training course on Child Protection for Response has been developed and will be delivered in 2025.
• Occupational Health: Efforts have been made to enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of Occupational Health services within Child Protection teams. OHWS is now working with PPD to develop solutions.
• Child Protection Policy: As part of the project, the Child Protection Policy was reviewed. Minor amends have been suggested and are being progressed.
These are just a few of the recommendations that have been actioned.
ACC Steph Parker said: “We are committed to continuously improving our child protection services. The feedback from our colleagues has been invaluable in shaping these initiatives. Child protection is not an easy role, but the success of the recent HMICFRS inspection highlighted how incredible our child protection teams are at adapting and excelling in challenging circumstances.
“We appreciate the dedication and hard work of our teams and will continue to listen and act on their insights to ensure the best outcomes for the children we protect.”
Trafford gymnastics coach sentenced to 18 years
A gymnastics coach has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for rape and sexual offences against two young girls he trained during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Michael Haynes of Urmston was found guilty of nine counts of rape and 11 counts of sexual assault against the two girls after a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.
The assaults came to light after a woman bravely came forward in September 2020 to tell police of the prolonged abuse she suffered. Then in December 2023, another woman learned that Haynes was to stand trial for sexual offences and also came forward to the police to report what had happened to her.
The victims released parts of their impact statements, which were read in court, to show the effects of the abuse they suffered from Haynes.
Victim 1 said: “Michael Haynes violated boundaries I hadn’t yet learned how to name. I didn’t understand what had happened – or how I felt about it. I just knew something had shifted in me. Something had been taken by someone I trusted, and I carried confusion and shame for many years.”
Victim 2 said: “When the abuse started, I felt lost and scared, and I have carried the weight and worry through life ever since.
“I have been comforted and inspired by the stories of other victims and their coping mechanisms. I have identified with their thoughts and struggles whilst learning to process what happened.
This understanding, acceptance and sense of solidarity have eventually allowed me to take this step forward and report the abuse I suffered all those years ago.”
She added: “I would like to thank Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Crown Court, the Witness Care Service, and everyone involved in bringing about this conviction. It has been a lengthy process, but I have felt fully supported and informed the whole way through.”
Det Insp Rick Lees of Trafford CID said: “This was a harrowing investigation, and I would like to thank the survivors for their bravery in coming forward after all these years and reporting what happened to them. I cannot imagine the psychological effect that this abuse had on them over the years, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some form of closure and a sense of justice.”
Operation Hawker forcewide activity day
The first of many days of forcewide days of activity focusing on the work of GMP’s special constabulary took place in March 2025.
The day, organised by Specials Ch Insp Cat Cutler, was the first of many forcewide days of activity known as Op Hawker. It yielded some impressive results, with 43 officers taking part alongside ACC Matt Boyle, Ch Supt Phil Hutchinson and GMP’s new Special Constabulary Chief Officer Adam Kramer.
Activities included officers working alongside the transport unit, conducting a traffic operation and warrants, as well as officers working at the airport and the Trafford Centre.
In addition, the day featured:
• Two prisoner transport vans out throughout the day
• Three officers on Roads Policing Unit attachments (assisted a double cardiac arrest and concern for welfare)
• Two officers on Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit attachments (seized a vehicle under section 59, assisting with the arrest of a wanted male found driving around in a car, and recovering an outstanding vehicle after it crashed)
• One officer on National Police Air Service attachment (experienced eight different jobs over the course of the night)
Results summary
• Community engagement at the Trafford Centre, visiting a careers fair promoting Bee in the Loop
• Safely reuniting a two-year-old child with their parents
• Seven stop and searches
• Over 100 vehicle stops
• Six vehicle seizures
• Four traffic offence reports
• Two drug driving offences
• 10 pieces of intelligence submitted
• Six arrests
Ch Supt Phil Hutchinson, of the People branch’s operational training team, said: “Op Hawker was a remarkable achievement, expertly coordinated by S Ch Insp Cutler. The operation’s success is evident in the results, which speak volumes about the dedication and hard work of the staff who were involved.
“One of the primary goals of Op Hawker is to bolster the force’s neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring the safety and confidence of our communities. Additionally, the operation aims to elevate the profile of the exceptional work carried out by the volunteers within the Special Constabulary. These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the force, and their contributions are invaluable.
“Expanding and highlighting these efforts will help to build community confidence as they see GMP officers tackling issues blighting our communities. I also hope that by recognising and promoting the work of the Special Constabulary, we can inspire more individuals to volunteer and contribute to the collective goal of a safer Greater Manchester.
“Our next planned day will take place during the weekend of 6 to 8 June, in celebration of the National Volunteers Week and National Specials Weekend.”
Crime recorders release third album
Since 2018, GMP Crime Recording and Resolution Unit (CRRU) members Rob Balfe and Mike Kirk have produced electronic music as The Kindred.
The group has previously been named Tameside Radio’s ‘band of the week’, as well as featuring on the BBC’s ‘Introducing’ platform for new and unsigned music acts. They released their debut album, A Violent Reaction, in 2019. Followup album Fractures, released in 2023, featured a collaboration with British rapper KMRS.
The Kindred’s third album New Door was released on all streaming services on 16 May 2025, further pushing the group’s sound. It is now available on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as all other streaming platforms.
You can listen to Kindred’s output, including new album New Door, on Spotify at http://tiny.cc/GMPKindred.
The Kindred is a collaborative project, and Mike and Rob are always on the lookout for other musicians and new talent to work with. Please contact them at kindredbanduk@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved or working together in the future.
19 May – 9 June HAVE YOUR SAY
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GMP judo goes international
Manchester Fighting Spirit Judo Club and GMP judo squad head coach Mark Montrose was involved in international action, representing Great Britain, Fighting Spirit and GMP at the first British Veteran Open International at Sports Dock, University of East London on Saturday 29 March 2025.
The event attracted entries from over 25 countries, including the United States. The standard of judo on the day was very high, with most of the entrants having been involved in high level international competition in the past.
Mark, a former representative of the Police Sport UK British police national team, was entered in the -100 kg M5 category, where he would meet judoka from Portugal, Croatia, Belgium and Ireland.
An intense first match between Mark and the Croatian competitor would end in a contentious score going to the Croatian, with Mark running out of time to even the score. Mark’s second match, against a Belgian opponent, would end swiftly, with Mark foot sweeping then strangling his opponent into submission.
The third contest, against the eventual gold medallist from Portugal, would see Mark coming out on the attack, before being countered with a beautiful hand throw by his opponent. Mark’s final match, against Northern Ireland, would end with Mark executing a dropping shoulder throw for ippon (the highest possible score in judo), taking third place and the bronze medal.
Reflecting on the competition, Mark said: “What a fantastic event. It’s so good to be back in an international competition again. The atmosphere is electric. I’m disappointed not to have made the gold medal match, but the standard was really high.
“I am proud to represent Great Britain and get on the podium. Receiving a medal from two-time Olympic champion Shohei Ono was a definite highlight in my judo career. I’ll be back next year to hopefully improve my result.”
Manchester Fighting Spirit Judo Club, incorporating the GMP judo squad, is quickly making its name known at both the national and international competitions circuit, because the team are taking medals at every event they enter.
Mark would like to thank Essimo UK for the judogi (judo kit) and GMP for supporting with the funding towards this event.
Judo is an Olympic sport, which involves throwing, holding
and submitting your opponent.
Mark Montrose has been providing judo free to all members of GMP Sports and Social for 20 years. He would encourage all frontline staff to take up judo to complement their PPST; it is an excellent skill to help keep yourself safe while policing. To find out more about learning or competing in judo, contact Mark at mark.montrose@gmp.police.uk – all are welcome, beginner or expert.
To get involved in any of the many police sporting sections you will need to be a member of the Sports and Social, which is £7 per month. The membership also provides discounts for shopping, days out, entertainment, restaurants, gyms around the force and other great benefits. Join today by completing and sending in the membership application form, which you can find at https://www.gmpsportsclub.com/Membership-Forms.aspx.
Officer returns to nursery as guest reader
Following his successful visit to Sunbeams nursery in Wigan earlier this year, PC Simon Kiernan was invited back recently to share a story with the children as a ‘guest reader”.
Cassie Hudson from the Sunbeams management team said: “We want to say a huge thank you to PC Kiernan for attending the nursery and reading with our little ones.
“This has had a huge impact on our nursery and the children cannot stop talking about their exciting morning with him.
The relationship we are developing with the local police force is certainly one
we are proud of and that is thanks to PC Kiernan and everyone who helped to arrange yesterday.”
PC Kiernan said: “I thoroughly enjoying spending time with the children –hopefully they had as much fun as I did!”
Proactive patrolling leads county lines closure
A proactive neighbourhood officer in Wigan has demonstrated exemplary policing by dismantling a county lines drug operation and safeguarding a vulnerable resident during a targeted patrol shift.
Police Constable Andy McCoombes voluntarily adjusted his shift pattern to address a spate of thefts from vehicles in his beat area while simultaneously gathering intelligence on a suspected drug line operating in the local community.
During his night patrol around the Scholes area, PC McCoombes stopped a known individual on Leigh Street.
The officer’s suspicions were raised as intelligence had previously linked the male to a county lines gang supplying Class A drugs throughout the Scholes community.
A subsequent search revealed the suspect was carrying three parcels of crack cocaine and heroin, a burner phone, and a set of keys. Through diligent inquiry, PC McCoombes established the keys belonged to a property in Worsley Mesnes where a highly vulnerable resident lived.
When officers conducted a Section 18 search at the address, they discovered the property had been “cuckooed” –taken over by drug dealers who exploit vulnerable people by using their homes as bases for drug supply. Inside, they found another male, known to neighbouring forces, in possession of a large quantity of Class A drugs and cash.
Both suspects were arrested at the scene for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. The vulnerable female occupant was treated as a witness and appropriate safeguarding measures were implemented immediately to protect her from further exploitation.
The following day, both males were charged with possession with intent to supply Class A crack cocaine and heroin, and were remanded to court.
Police Sergeant Jonathan Calder from Wigan District said: “PC McCoombes’ initiative and proactive approach has likely forced the closure of a drugs line that was plaguing Scholes and Wigan. His excellent police work has not only removed dangerous drugs from our streets but has protected a vulnerable resident from continued exploitation.
“This case exemplifies what neighbourhood policing is all about –understanding local issues, identifying
vulnerability, and taking decisive action to make communities safer. The evidence obtained has led to the identification of offenders further up the supply chain and is likely to result in additional arrests, seizures and disruption to organised crime networks.
“This operation forms part of our broader approach to tackling serious and organised crime through effective neighbourhood policing, targeting the issues that matter most to our communities. PC McCoombes is being considered for a Superintendent’s commendation in recognition of his outstanding work.”
The successful operation forms part of Greater Manchester Police’s focus on celebrating neighbourhood policing throughout April 2025, highlighting the force’s dedication to keeping communities safe through problemsolving approaches and protecting vulnerable residents.
Celebrating the best of Wigan
Wigan took time out to celebrate the achievements of its officers and staff on Friday 25 April with an award ceremony that took place at St Peter’s Pavillion in Hindley.
Hosted by Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins, there were 17 award categories as well as a host of Chief Superintendent’s Commendations, all designed to showcase the great work of the team.
The evening started with an introduction from Ch. Supt Clare Jenkins before leading into those that were given Chief Superintendent’s Commendations. The Mini Police engagement programme was given the first of these to:
• Sergeant (Sgt) Paul Bodley
• Sgt Jonathan Calder
• Police Constable (PC) Simon Kiernan
• PC Rachel Heaney
• PC Stephanie Gladwin
• PC Lydia Rouse
• PC Hannah Smith
• PCSO Karl Melling
• PCSO Wendy Walters
• Dawn Roper – Headteacher, Parklee Primary School, Atherton
• Sue Pittendreigh – Headteacher, St Catharine’s Primary School, Scholes.
The second Chief Superintendent’s Commendation was awarded to three members of the public for their courageous efforts and bravery after being witnesses to a serious assault on an elderly male victim. They provided lifesaving first aid, gave clear directions to emergency services and continued to support until police and ambulance staff
arrived.
The award categories and winners are listed below:
• Bravery Award of the Year – PC Carl Beck
• Reactive Investigation of the Year
– Acting Sgt Lee Henderson, Sgt Emily McNeil and Detective Sgt Joanne Sweeney
• Proactive Criminal Investigation of the Year – Operation Barmcake: Detective Inspector Pat Wood, Detective Sergeant Simon Monks, Acting Detective Sergeant Matthew Higham, PC Carl Davies, PC Mathew Threlfall, PC Andrew Halsall, PC Katie Barber, PC Tabitha Boland and OSO Nicole Booth
• Prevention and Problem Solving of the Year Award – PC Emily Naylor
• Most Improved Team of the Year –C Relief Response
• Innovation of the Year Award –Domestic Abuse Safeguarding team: Detective Inspector Chris Preston, Detective Constable Paul Park and Detective Constable Chris Clarke.
• Partnership of the Year Award – Wigan Council Safeguarding team: Laura Newton, Jared Black, Samantha Lee, Samantha Unsworth, Simone Higham and Connah Green
• Community Luminary of the Year Award – Professor Graham Wardle
• Mini Police Officer of the Year –Master Ethan Ashworth
• Quality Standards Behaviour Exemplar of the Year – PC Simon Kiernan
• Leadership of the Year Award –Sergeant Dan Canavan
• Student Officer of the Year – PC Bethany Hatton
• Police Staff Member of the Year –Allan Appleton
• PCSO of the Year – PCSO Gillian Wray
• Special Constable of the Year –Special Constable Luke Scruton
• Police Officer of the Year – PC Stephen Lamb
• Team of the Year – Team 3 Atherton Neighbourhood Policing Team
• District Commander’s Award –Detective Inspector Chris Preston.
