Stop and search powers have been beefed up in parts of Greater Manchester for a fourth day following two knifepoint robberies. From 3pm today (October 15) until midnight, Greater Manchester Police is using Section 60 powers in parts of Trafford.
It is the fourth day officers have used the powers in the borough, following robberies in the area in the past week. GMP says a young man and a young woman have both been threatened with a knife in separate incidents since last Sunday evening, October 9.
Fortunately, they were not injured. Before Section 60 powers were ordered on Friday, 14 crimes were reported with victims between the ages of 13 and 18.
The stop and search powers are in use along the Metrolink line and at stations between Altrincham and Cornbrook. Parts of Old Trafford, Stretford, Sale and Altrincham are also affected, as shown in maps provided on GMP's website.
GMP has used the Section 60 powers in the same month that a report found Black people in Greater Manchester are almost four times as likely to be stopped and searched than White people, while overall use of the tactic has risen by 20% over the past year. GMP accepts that the tactic is controversial - but insists it is being used to help keep the public safe.
A spokesperson for the force said: "We understand the use of a Section 60 can cause concern, however, we use these powers when receiving intelligence that there is an increased risk of violence in the areas outlined. Our priority is to keep the public safe and you will see an increased amount of officers patrolling the area over this week.
"If you have information about weapons or suspicious activity, get in touch. We can be contacted by Live Chat on our website gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. They will not ask for your name or trace your call."
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