Run All You Like: Piccadilly Gardens Officers Close the Distance

Officers from the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team demonstrated vigilance, professionalism and fitness during proactive foot patrols around Piccadilly Gardens today, resulting in two separate arrests following foot chases.

In the first incident, PC Zamecnik and PC Simm attempted to speak with two 14-year-old males in the Gardens. As officers approached, one of the youths made off on foot. PC Zamecnik gave chase and successfully detained the male a short distance away. During the incident, a kitchen knife was recovered nearby after a vigilant member of the public observed the male discard it onto the ground. Officers would like to thank the member of the public for their quick thinking and assistance, which helped ensure the knife was safely recovered.

In a separate incident later in the day, PC Duffy and PC McKenzie were on foot patrol when they saw an adult male running away from a shop carrying a basket filled with meat. PC Duffy and McKenzie pursued the suspect on foot and detained him following a short chase. The male was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting.

In addition to these incidents, PC Cross and PC Marothi arrested another male during patrols who was wanted after being recalled to prison due to poor behaviour, removing a further individual of concern from the area.

Sergeant Jon Wyatt from the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team praised his officers for their commitment and physical readiness, saying:

“Today’s incidents highlight the importance of high-visibility foot patrols and the professionalism of our officers. I’m incredibly proud of the team for their determination, quick thinking and fitness levels, which allowed them to respond effectively and keep the public safe.”

The Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to carry out regular patrols in the area, working proactively to prevent crime, respond swiftly to incidents, and reassure the local community.