Stockport day of action sees more arrests in fight against crime

Officers in Stockport continued the fight against crime in the latest day of action. 

Around 40 officers were in the town centre and Edgeley as part of Operation Rimini, GMP’s dedicated operation to tackle retail crime and ASB, and Operation Acquire, a forcewide initiative that targets people suspected of committing neighbourhood offences, on Wednesday. 

Five people were arrested on suspicion of several offences on the day – possession of an offensive weapon, recall to prison, attempting to sell counterfeit goods and a previous assault on a police officer. 

In addition, a car suspected of being involved in criminal activity was seized and £11,000 of illegal vapes seized in conjunction with Trading Standards. 

So far this year, as part of the days of action, there have been 36 arrests and 103 charges issued.  

Sergeant James Senior, of the Stockport Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “When I meet with partners and shopkeepers, the main feedback is they want to see more police on the streets. 

“In response to that, our staff numbers have increased, and we are far more visible now, and that’s what these days of action are all about. 

“I’d always rather speak to someone in the street the be driving past them at 30mph - these are our communities, the people who need us, telling us what the problems are. 

“People who commit crime, anti-social behaviour, simply won’t be tolerated.” 

Due to the proactive work of GMP Stockport's policing teams, there has been a 28% decrease in burglaries in the past 12 months and the number solved has doubled.

Detective Inspector Michael Jimenez, of the Stockport Neighbourhood Crime Team, added: “The neighbourhood officers are out on the streets, and we can use the information they gather to target criminals carrying out serious crimes like robbery, burglary and car theft.  

“We build up that bigger picture and use it to target those who harm our communities. 

“There is a lot of development happening in Stockport and we need to be ready for that growth and be a couple of steps ahead, which is why we have a dedicated team for burglary, robbery, and vehicle theft.

“We want to make Stockport a fantastic place to live, visit and enjoy a night out, but we don’t want people here who will create misery.” 

The day of action was run by the Stockport Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, The Special Constabulary, Stockport's Neighbourhood Crime Team, Divisional Tutor Unit, British Transport Police and GMP mounted unit.   

Partners from Stockport Council’s Rough Sleepers Team, Trading Standards, Merseyway Security, Ocean Security and the Wellspring homeless charity were also involved.