Cops step-up moped crime crackdown
A CRACKDOWN on moped crime is already proving successful, according to police
Operation Luster was launched recently in Stockport, and has already secured five arrests, police say.
On Thursday a haul of vehicles were seized by cops, with officers finding a quad bike and three mopeds at an address in Cheadle Heath.
Now, Chief Inspector Paul Chadwick, heading up the Stockport Neighbourhood Unit, says the operation will start to take ‘proactive’ steps in the coming weeks.
“Over the last six weeks we’ve seen an increasing number of moped-enabled robberies involving young people, often wearing balaclavas and armed with weapons,” he said.
“This is occurring across Stockport and I fully understand that these incidents are extremely concerning to the victims and the wider community.
“In response, we have established Operation Luster to tackle this emerging problem and reassure our partners and the wider communities.
“Our overall objective is to keep the people of Stockport safe and [to] reduce the threat.”
Chief Insp Chadwick also shared more information on how the crackdown will affect residents.
He added: “There are several strands to our response including expediting a thorough, impartial and effective investigation into these incidents, providing an effective response to every report and utilise proactive divisional patrols and specialist police teams, develop an effective Intelligence plan to underpin the police and partnership plan, [and] support and safeguard victims.”
The top cop also said more officers are set to be on the beat – and asked the public to share ‘any information no matter how small to come forward’.
Members of the public can get in touch via LiveChat on GMP’s website or call 101. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.