Police and store security in day of action at Trafford Centre

GMP's Superintendent Cara Charlesworth and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green were in attendance for the Safer Business Action Day, itself a part of the National Business Crime Centre's Safer Business Action Week.

They spoke to customers and workers about their experiences and about the actions put in place to tackle business crime at the Trafford Centre and beyond.

They went to a stall for Greater Manchester Victim Services, a service set up by the Mayor of Greater Manchester's office, which provides support to victims.

Superintendent Charlesworth said: "The Safer Business Action Day at the Trafford Centre meant we were able to show off the work we do alongside our partners to tackle business crime and ensure the safety of customers and workers alike. We have had countless officers engaging with the public throughout the week meaning we are having those important conversations about ways in which we can support the business communities.

"This week enabled us to shine an important light on the issues faced by the businesses, and by promoting schemes such as #ShopKind and Victim Services, we have been able to reach thousands of people to ensure we are playing our part in protecting the public from criminality."

The #ShopKind campaign is a campaign to raise the awareness of the challenges faced by shopworkers on a daily basis.

There are hundreds of instances of abuse and aggression on a weekly basis in the UK, including at the Trafford Centre.

Ms Green, an ex-MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: "Crime is an issue which creates fear and misery for hardworking individuals who are doing a job to support our communities and their families.

"This will not be tolerated and we will continue to work in partnership with our business communities to find solutions together." 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.