Overview
- The suspects, one man and six women, were detained in Salford on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and remain in custody.
- Greater Manchester Police say the group planned coordinated shoplifting against high-end stores and supermarkets as part of a nationwide campaign to redistribute goods.
- Officers say the suspects had been training in Salford for non-violent direct action, a method that prepares people to take part in protests without using force.
- The arrests followed a joint Greater Manchester Police–Metropolitan Police operation, and a senior GMP officer said the force is taking robust action to disrupt such crime.
- Manchester Evening News reports the detainees are believed to be linked to Take Back Power, and the group says supporters were arrested, though police have not confirmed any affiliation.