Anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Stockport town centre has decreased since 2023, after a period of arrests and charges.

Greater Manchester Police has reported than in the last two years, ASB has decreased by 6.1 percent, while shoplifting arrests have increased by 49 percent and shoplifting charges have increased by 45 percent.

It comes as part of Operation Rimini, the initiative launched in 2023 aiming to tackle retail crime, ASB, and more.

As part of the operation, heightened police patrols are deployed every month around the town centre.

Since its launch in 2023, Operation Rimini has seen over 80 arrests and secured more than 205 charges for various offences. There are also 14 criminal behaviour orders currently in place in Stockport.

Officers were deployed to Stockport town centre on Wednesday 20 August - four arrests were made and one person was charged with a public order offence.

As part of Operation Rimini, extra police patrols are deployed regularly to Stockport town centre (Image - GMP)

While out on patrol, officers intervened in a shoplifting incident and arrested two women on suspicion of theft and assaulting a shopworker. One was subsequently charged with a public order offence.

Eight stores were also tested against the sales of vapes and all passed.

Chief Inspector John Picton, said: "The high visibility of police during dedicated days such as Operation Rimini support the everyday efforts of our neighbourhood policing teams.

"Retail crime blights our high streets and we're making great progress building relationships with retailers and shopworkers, gathering evidence packages, arresting repeat offenders, and taking proactive measures to bring crime down.

"Since the launch of Operation Rimini in 2023 we have made over 80 arrests and more than 205 charges have been secured for various offences.

"Our efforts to combat crime and anti-social behaviour in our town centre and beyond is continuing. Our communities in Stockport should feel safe where they live, work and spend their free time."

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