In a remarkable display of hands-on policing, Greater Manchester Police's most senior officer personally intervened to apprehend a suspected shoplifter during a dramatic street pursuit.
Dramatic Street Confrontation
The incident unfolded yesterday in Bury after Sir Stephen Watson had just attended a passing-out parade for new police recruits. The Chief Constable witnessed officers chasing a man accused of stealing from a shop and assaulting a security guard.
Video footage captured the extraordinary moment when Sir Stephen moved decisively to block the suspect's escape route. The senior officer stepped forward ahead of the fleeing man, effectively cutting off his path while other officers closed in.
Within seconds, the suspect was handcuffed despite his protests of innocence. The man was heard claiming "I've done nothing, I didn't do no theft!" as officers restrained him.
Wider Crackdown on Retail Crime
The dramatic arrest forms part of a broader offensive against shoplifting across Greater Manchester. Police statistics reveal that GMP is bringing almost 500 suspects to justice every month for retail theft offences.
The force's performance in tackling shop theft has seen remarkable improvement under Sir Stephen's leadership. In the year to September 2025, GMP solved more than 6,000 shop theft cases - a substantial increase from fewer than 1,000 cases before he took command in May 2021.
Following yesterday's incident, all three suspects, aged in their 30s, remain in custody on suspicion of theft. Two additional individuals - a man and a woman - were arrested nearby in connection with the same incident.
Experienced Leadership in Action
Sir Stephen Watson brings considerable experience to his role leading England and Wales's second-largest police force. Beginning his career in Lancashire in 1988, he has held senior positions with Merseyside Police, the Metropolitan Police and Durham Constabulary.
Before taking charge of GMP in 2021, Sir Stephen previously served as Chief Constable of South Yorkshire. His direct involvement in yesterday's arrest demonstrates the force's commitment to frontline policing and tackling retail crime head-on.
