Issue - meetings

Councillors and members of the public are invited to raise ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ issues with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

It was reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police had been unable to attend the meeting, although a written update was provided and the Chair drew particular attention to the following matters:

·         The Chair announced that a number of people had contacted Councillors related to serious crimes involving armed people on motorbikes who were stealing from residents in the Hazel Grove and Offerton area. The Chair stated that he had contacted the police requesting attendance at this Area Committee meeting or, in the alternative, to arrange a public meeting to answer questions on these concerning incidents.

·         The Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport had met with the newly appointed Chief Superintendent, Lewis Hughes and had raised the issue of having no police representation in attendance at Stepping Hill Area Committee. Chief Superintendent Hughes had promised to look into this matter.

·         There had been further changes to the Neighbourhood Policing Team with Police Seargeant Jason Holmwood achieving a temporary promotion and being replaced by Police Seargeant Rachel Walton who was scheduled to join the team in November.

·         A local man had received a conviction for two counts of exposure.

·         Officers had conducted a number of operations targeting prolific shoplifters. These had led to a number of people being arrested and prosecuting through the courts.

·         A retail week of action had taken place from 14 to 20 October 2024 which included special events and dedicated stalls set up at four retail outlets. One offender had been charged with burglary and fraud and eight further arrests for theft had resulted in 57 charges. The week was reported to have been a success including lots of engagement with retail outlets.

·         In terms of vehicle crime an offender self-selection operation had been carried out.

·         Off road bikes remained a priority and policing operations would continue into the darker evenings. Residents were encouraged to report this behaviour. The police would follow up on any individuals identified and work with partners to try and establish where these bikes were being kept within the community. It was reported that since June 2024 almost 100 bikes had been seized in Stockport; this would not have been possible without the assistance of Stockport’s residents. 

·         A new community messaging system ‘Bee in the Loop’ had been established to strengthen dialogue with communities in a positive and proactive manner. It allowed users to choose what information they would like to know about, including crime and incidents in their local area. It was also an invaluable investigative tool which could be used to appeal for information or intelligence and help to solve crimes.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.