Police step up their patrols after yob violence in summer
POLICE are ramping up patrols in Stockport town centre this Christmas and New Year after a summer marred by yob violence.
Stockport officers will be out and about in the town centre this Christmas and New Year to tackle youth anti-social behaviour.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police were out in force this summer, running an operation that saw youth anti-social behaviour (ASB) drop by half when officers patrolled in plain clothes.
Stockport has been wracked with anti-social and violence behaviour in recent months. In September, more than 20 windows were smashed at a building near to Stockport College in an ‘anti-social behaviour incident’.
The same month, a boy was also seen on top of a derelict Stockport building hurling glass below before being arrested by cops following a tense stand-off.
In June, a dispersal order was put in place in the Brinnginton area of Stockport after a gang of yobs fired gel pellets at the public.
Inspector John Picton, of GMP’s Stockport Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Antisocial behaviour, including verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, harassment, intimidation, vandalism and criminal damage, had been highlighted as an issue in Stockport town centre and is a priority not just in Stockport but across the force.
“Analysis showed that historically, year-on-year, ASB incidents in the town centre increase throughout the festive period as well as the summer months. Greater Manchester Police won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour and will always take decisive action.”
The police-led Stockport Town Centre Summer Initiative during July and August involved partnership working with Stockport Council and the Youth Offending Team.
PC Steve Gotts, GMP’s Stockport Schools Officer, said: “We patrolled the town centre every day in the summer holidays, engaging with the youngsters and using Criminal Behaviour Orders and behaviour contracts where appropriate.
“Our aim was to proactively engage with youths, promoting various agencies’ diversionary schemes to deter crime and ASB.
“The plain-clothes initiative improved public and business confidence in reporting incidents, providing a safer environment to work and shop.
“Engagement work will continue as a priority is to build public confidence in the police by working with partners and communities.
“Police officers and PCSOs will also attend public meetings on a regular basis and further initiatives are being planned.”
Incidents of ASB and criminal behaviour should always be reported to police via its website or 101, or shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.