Officers are ramping up their presence in a Salford neighbourhood which has been rocked by a spate of carjackings.
Residents in the Broughton Park community have faced 'a real fear' after a number of incidents which have taken place in recent months.
In January, a Brantwood Road resident spoke of the 'mental scars' left after he was attacked by three men in balaclavas before having his Mercedes stolen, outside his home.
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It was one of four reported carjacking incidents, carried out by masked men, to shake the 'quiet neighbourhood'.
Now, Greater Manchester Police has launched a dedicated operation to tackle the rise in carjackings seen in Broughton Park.
Codenamed Chaffinch, the operation has already seen one car seized in connection with the criminal activity, and another car recovered.
Coun Arnie Saunders, a Rabbi who represents Kersal and Broughton Park on Salford City Council, says the action from GMP is 'welcome' - but there is still concern among families.
"There's clearly a heightened police presence, although I think lot of that is more covert than overt," he said.
"But people are still obviously concerned. It only takes one minute for someone to attack, and even if the police come, they can get away quickly.
"People can be going shopping with their kids and all of a sudden find themselves pushed to the ground for their car keys, so there is a real fear.
"I wouldn't even say it's targeting posh cars. There's no one in our community with a Rolls Royce or a Bentley, they just have large cars for their families, so obviously they are worried."
Operation Chaffinch involves CID and neighbourhood teams at GMP Salford, as well as other partners.
The force says it will see high-profile police activity increased in key areas - such as Broughton Park - and extra patrols in the evenings and at weekends.
Last Wednesday (February 2), officers pursued a Ford Focus linked to the carjacking incidents in the area.
The car was spotted on Great Cheetham Street East and pursued by officers, before being found abandoned.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace the occupants.
Meanwhile, a second vehicle spotted by a proactive patrol has also been recovered.
Insp Darren Lomas, of GMP Salford, said: "Operation Chaffinch will be led by my team and supported by GMP's Roads Policing Unit and partner agencies.
"Keeping people safe is a top priority and we will do everything we can to fight this issue and identify those responsible so we can bring them to face justice.
"We have been working collaboratively by sharing information and intelligence, and sharing updates of our working within the community to rebuild confidence and engagement.
"There will continue to be an enhanced and dedicated patrol plan with a mixture of resources out and about in Broughton Park until this issue is resolved.
"I would ask people who live, work or frequent in the Broughton Park area to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to us sooner rather than later."
Information in connection to carjackings in Broughton Park can be passed on to GMP by calling 0161 856 6377 quoting incident 2320 of February 2, 2022.
Alternatively, email local neighbourhood sergeant at Peter.MacFarlane@gmp.police.uk, report it online using LiveChat, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
