Officers in Stockport have ramped up patrols in the town centre in a crackdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. 

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) describes the approach as "a mix of modern law enforcement and bread-and-butter policing".

The aim is to deter would-be criminals with patrols, and to ensure town centre visitors can enjoy 'a safe and welcoming environment'. 

In a targeted day of action last week on 26 July, for example, Stockport's neighbourhood team had around 15 officers patrolling the town centre. 

On the day, officers made three arrests on suspicion of various shoplifting offences, and also jointly patrolled hotspots with security guards from the Merseyway shopping centre and Redrock, helping to co-ordinate work over a shared radio system.

Officers could also be seen patrolling the town later in the week. 

Police patrolled the town centre in a targeted day of action on Wednesday 26 July with 15 officers (Image - Matthew Nichol Photography)

Sergeant James Senior, who organised the day of action, said that he wants people to know that they can talk to officers about anything, and that they are ultimately there to support the public.

He said: "When I was a youngster, you'd always see a bobby with his custodian helmet standing proudly on a perch in a town centre and it's always stuck with me. Whether it's a wave to a little kid or a chat with someone about what they think of my hat, myself and my team love chatting to residents – being a part of the community is massively important to us.

"While these days of action get more boots on the ground and ensure we get to talk to people, we of course are there to tackle crime, which includes making arrests, stopping criminals, and building intelligence.

"We are sending a very clear message to those who disrupt other people's lives: we will not tolerate it. We are here to protect the public and do our very best for them.

"We work extensively with local partners - retailers, businesses, the council, fellow emergency services – to ensure our overall service to the public is exactly what they expect and deserve. We are getting out as many patrols as possible, and hope to have further days of action very soon."

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager for Merseyway and Redrock, said: "We support the town centre police team's commitment to tackling retail crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre, and are passionate about our tenants and customers having the best experience when visiting Merseyway and Redrock".

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