Police officers were deployed throughout Stockport on Thursday (13 February) as part of a 'blitz' on local crime.

On the day, police made 65 arrests, identified 55 traffic offences, and carried out 10 search warrants at properties in Edgeley, Bredbury, Woodley and Heaton Norris.

It formed part of Operation AVRO - an initiative which aims to provide extra resources and officers to a different part of Greater Manchester each month, in a concentrated effort to clamp down on local crime.

As well as the arrests and searches, police also carried out patrols throughout the town centre - including a mounted unit - to help 'make shoppers feel safe'.

Officers also appeared at St Anne's Voluntary Academy to raise awareness of knife crime.

A mounted unit from Greater Manchester Police patrolled the town centre and Edgeley (Image - GMP)

The arrests dealt with a range of offences including drug supply and burglary.

Both Stockport Council and Greater Manchester Police hailed the day as a success.

Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, District Commander for Stockport, said: "Throughout the day we tackled crime and criminals in our communities, executed search warrants and made arrests. To be able to do this we rely on information and intelligence submitted to us from members of the public.

"I would like to thank people who stopped to talk to our officers during the day, engaged with us and our partners and asked questions or raised concerns to our officers.

"Operation AVRO is a flagship event that highlights the work going on each and every day across Greater Manchester in our fight against criminality."

Police also seized three vehicles as part of Operation AVRO (Image - GMP)

Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: "Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and initiatives like Operation AVRO play a crucial role in tackling crime and ensuring public confidence in policing.

"We fully support the efforts of Greater Manchester Police in proactively addressing key concerns, from anti-social behaviour to serious crime, through targeted action.

"It is vital that our residents feel secure in their homes and neighbourhoods, and I encourage everyone to engage with local officers, report issues, and work together to build a safer, stronger Stockport."

Cllr Grace Baynham (left) and Cllr Helen Foster-Grime hailed the day as a success (Image - Stockport Council)

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services at Stockport Council, added: "Road safety is a key concern for our communities, and I welcome the work of GMP through Operation AVRO to tackle dangerous driving and improve safety on our roads.

"Enforcing speed limits, targeting uninsured vehicles, and addressing reckless driving are essential steps in protecting all road users.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe whether they are driving, cycling, or walking, and this operation highlights the importance of working together to reduce accidents and keep our streets safer for all."

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