Plain-clothed officers have been patrolling Stockport in an effort to foil motorbike thieves.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said such patrols would take place every month - the first deployment was on 14 April.

GMP hopes that after a while, the operation will become 'multi-layered', using a mixture of both uniformed and plain-clothed officers in tandem with prevention tactics and community engagement.

The operation is in response to the high number of motorcycle / moped thefts in Stockport.

Between December 2024 and February 2025, data shows there were 30 incidents of two-wheeled motor vehicle theft across the borough.

The operation will eventually expand to include uniformed officers, prevention tactics, and more (Image - GMP)

The highest proportion was reported in Woodbank, which recorded 26.67 percent of motorbike thefts in Stockport. Edgeley and Reddish also featured highly in the figures.

By reducing two-wheeled vehicle thefts, officers also hope to reduce other crimes which often go hand-in hand with such thefts - for example, anti-social behaviour, traffic offences, assaults and robberies.

PC William Leadbetter-Smith said: "We decided to launch [this operation] after we noticed there had been a number of incidents in recent months.

"We listened to the concerns of the community around young people on bikes; wearing dark indistinct clothing with balaclavas on, intimidating people and committing crimes. 

PC Leadbetter-Smith added: "It takes just a matter seconds for offenders to take a motorbike and ride away. These types of thefts often lead on to further offences and can put people at risk. Please remember to lock your motorbikes up safely, 

"Stockport is a great place to live, work and visit, and we want everyone to feel safe here. 

"I'd like to add that we rely on information from members of the public; we take any information received seriously and act on it accordingly. Thank you for your continued support."

Police can be contacted via 101, by using GMP's LiveChat function online, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. 

~

Free from clickbait, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter