Here you will find information about new initiatives aimed at reducing Crime and Disorder in Stockport as well as the fear of crime.
Safety Campaign for Halloween and Bonfire Night
The Safer Stockport Partnership has launched its annual safety campaign over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
Operation Treacle involves Stockport Council, Police, Fire Service and the Health and Safety Executive working in partnership to ensure residents enjoy a safe and trouble free Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
The campaign will crack-down on anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks misuse.
The operation is now in its fifth consecutive year, and will involve:
Increased patrols of potential hotspot areas for anti-social behaviour
Dedicated firework safety patrol vehicles fitted with video surveillance equipment
Test purchases will be carried out at off-licences to stop underage drinking
Truancy sweeps
Inspections of premises licenced to sell fireworks in the borough
Action will be taken against anyone found harassing or intimidating other people, playing with eggs and flour, or vandalising property. Young people aged under 18 caught with fireworks will face an £80 fine.
Councillor Mark Weldon, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “For most people this period can be fun and we would not wish to stop anyone enjoying themselves. All we would ask is that parents make sure their children are aware that not everyone looks forward to this time of year and for some people it can be a very difficult and frightening time.
“As part of Operation Treacle there are posters which people can display politely asking people not to trick or treat at their house. We would ask young people to respect their wishes.”
Chief Inspector Leon Jacobs, said: “Residents have told us that anti-social behaviour is their number one priority. Halloween and bonfire night is a particularly frightening and lonely time for some of our more vulnerable residents so it is important that they feel as safe as possible in their own home.
“For younger people this is an exciting time of year and it is important they enjoy it responsibly and legally. Extra officers will be on the streets to make it as safe as possible and it is vitally important that people report their concerns to us so that we can look into them.”
Officers involved in Operation Treacle have also visited schools in a bid to educate children about the dangers and consequences of anti-social behaviour.
Residents can visit www.safe4autumn.com for safety advice, details of organised bonfire events or to download their own Halloween trick or treat posters ‘welcome/not welcome’.
Making Stockport Even 'Safer'
Stockport residents are the faces of a new initiative which aims to make Stockport even safer.
The Council, in partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), have launched ‘Safer Stockport’ to show how working together with local communities can help to create safer places in which to live, work and visit.
The initiative will focus on real life examples of how local people have worked with the Council and Police to play a positive role in their community. It is hoped that these role models will encourage more residents to get involved and tackle crime together.
Figures from the North West Crime Tracker show that between October 2009-September 2010 there has been a 19.8% reduction in all crimes in Stockport which equates to 4,675 fewer victims of crime in the borough.
Councillor Dave Goddard, Leader of the Council and GMP Authority Member, said: “In these tough economic times it is important that we work together to continue to make Stockport one of the safest places to live in Greater Manchester.
“We’ve been working with residents, listening to what’s important to them and taking action. Over the past 12 months we’ve already seen almost 4,000 fewer offences. But there’s more that can be done and many more opportunities for residents to work with us to make a difference.”
Chief Superintendent Rebekah Sutcliffe, Stockport’s Divisional Commander, added: “Continuing to invest in our work with the Council and local communities is extremely important. Safer Stockport is about giving residents the opportunity to get involved through initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch or volunteering. It is also a chance to let them know about the services available, which are designed to address the different needs of communities.
“Only by working together can we make the borough even safer.”
To find out more about Safer Stockport, how you can get involved and the services on offer to keep you safe, visit www.stockport.gov.uk/safer
Operation Gotham - Spotlighting Burglars in Stockport
Police in Stockport are launching a major new awareness campaign, codenamed Operation Gotham, to encourage residents to light up as the nights get darker. Traditionally burglaries increase as the clocks go back, as criminals love the dark and like to target unlit properties.
A range of tactics will be used to disrupt burglars and prevent crime. We will also be asking the public and partners to help achieve this goal. Please see attached flyer.
Officers are using school pupils as junior crime fighters to help keep homes safe. Pupils take the survey home, assess the security measurements in place and fill in the survey. On completion a parent or guardian signs it.
To help keep burglaries down an advertising van will be travelling around the borough with crime prevention advice.
Vulnerable residents will receive a free light timer and light bulb and residents in areas that were targeted this time last year will receive information on how they can keep criminals in the cold.
Extra police patrols will be on the streets for the next few months. Known offenders will receive letters and personal visits from officers throughout the campaign.
Chief Superintendent Rebekah Sutcliffe, Divisional Commander for the Stockport Division said: “Burglary is one of our main priorities and a major threat as the nights draw in. The campaign is starting early so people are prepared when the clocks go back. We are asking people to switch a light on and turn a burglar off. Also remember ALL. Alarm, locks and lights. Set your alarm if you have one, lock your doors and windows and leave a light on.
“Residents can support us by anonymously reporting suspicious activity or useful information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”.
Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “This campaign is about raising awareness so residents can be prepared for the dark nights to reduce the risks of their property being burgled. This campaign will help make Stockport and even safer place to live.”
Police figures show that even during autumn and winter one in three burglaries are through open or unlocked doors and windows.
Operation Advantage - 7th August 2009
Four people have been arrested after police raided five addresses in Stockport this morning, Friday 7 August 2009.
The arrests are part of a joint operation by Greater Manchester Police and North West Trading Standards to target illegal money lending and drug dealing in Stockport.
The properties were raided following months of intelligence gathering by officers as part of Operation Advantage.
Four men, aged 43, 48, 24 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
Cash was also seized when officers raided the addresses on Stansbury Place, Offerton, Woodlands Drive, Offerton, Tanhill Close, Offerton, Mallowdale Road, Offerton, and Levenshulme Road, Gorton.
Officers from the Stockport East Neighbourhood Policing Team will remain in the area throughout the day to provide reassurance to residents and will be handing out leaflets.
The mobile police station will be parked on Mallowdale Road so anyone who wants to speak to police can drop in.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Mark Granby said: "Today was the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication by a large team of officers.
"These are tough financial times for many and some criminals have been quick to take advantage of people facing difficulties.
"We will take action against loan sharks and I hope this morning's raids act as a deterrent to those thinking these illegal enterprises will go unnoticed.
"As ever, the raids also send a clear message to those intent on plaguing their communities with drug abuse that we will do all we can to stop this."
Tony Quigley, head of the North West Trading Standards illegal money lending team, said: "This joint operation is the result of excellent co-operation between Greater Manchester Police and trading standards officers and we will work closely together to bring this matter to a speedy conclusion.
"Since the illegal money lending project was set up we have had more than 100 prosecutions, written off more than £30million of illegal debt and helped more than 10,000 victims and we will continue to work hard to help those communities most in need."
Anyone with information about illegal money lending or drug dealing should call police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively, the North West Trading Standards illegal money lending team can be contacted directly and confidentially 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 0300 555 2222.
DrinkWATCH
In response to the recent changes in legislation around licensing, the SSP have started DrinkWATCH.
If you have any concerns about:
Anti-social Behaviour
Underage Sales
Licensing Conditions
Noise or littering related to licensed premises
Then contact DrinkWATCH on 0845 644 4309.
Information gathered through this number will be shared with the police and relevant agencies.
This is not an emergency number, criminal behaviour should be reported directly to the Police.
