Back So Soon? Officers Spot Familiar Face in Piccadilly Gardens

Officers from the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team have continued their proactive efforts to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre, with a focused operation targeting organised begging delivering a number of arrests and charges.

During yesterday’s patrols in Piccadilly Gardens, officers identified and disrupted individuals suspected of being involved in organised begging activity. PC McKenzie, PC Simm and PC Sulkey—who was supporting the team for the day—arrested two adult males and one adult female on suspicion of begging offences. Following further enquiries, all three were subsequently charged and bailed to attend court, with strict conditions imposed prohibiting them from entering Piccadilly Gardens.

In a separate incident, PC Zamecnik arrested an adult male in Back Piccadilly after a search uncovered a quantity of a Class A drugs. Investigations into this matter remain ongoing, with further action being considered.

Officers are also progressing civil orders against those involved, aimed at deterring further offending and providing longer-term protection for the community and local businesses.

Today, neighbourhood officers maintained a visible presence in the area, continuing to enforce conditions and respond swiftly to breaches. PC Duffy arrested one of the males charged the previous day after he was found back in Piccadilly Gardens in direct breach of his bail conditions. In addition, PC Cross arrested another adult male who had breached an existing court order.

Sergeant Jon Wyatt of the Piccadilly Gardens Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“Yesterday and today’s results demonstrate our commitment to tackling the issues that matter most to the public. Organised begging and associated criminality will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take robust action against those involved. Our officers are working hard every day to ensure Piccadilly Gardens remains a safe and welcoming place, and we will keep that visible presence and enforcement activity going with real energy and sparkle.”