Four people were arrested in Stockport last Friday (18 September) as the latest day of action from the town centre’s Neighbourhood Policing Team took place.

Operation Rimini is a monthly day of action which utilises multiple crime-smashing resources across Stockport Town Centre, and which has produced countless arrests, charges, and seizures since its inception in 2023.

While work takes place every day in Stockport, the monthly operation provides an enhanced visibility for officers, working closely with store security, local partners, and more as all manner of criminality is tackled.

On the day, officers secured four arrests for various suspected crimes – including affray, theft, and criminal damage. Results have included charges, Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) applications, community resolution outcomes, and further investigations.

Seven stop-searches were also carried out, with two positive outcomes recorded.

Other enforcement action saw the assistance of both our Mounted and Transport Units to aid in patrols, while a knife arch was used at the Stockport Interchange.

The initiative supports efforts to reduce knife crime across the area and was staffed by local officers, working closely with partners.

In addition to enforcement work was equally vital engagement with local people and businesses.

This included engagement stalls set up around the town centre, the promotion of Bee In The Loop, bicycle marking schemes, and general security advice to locals.

Inspector Jason Holmwood, from GMP’s Stockport district, said: “Operation Rimini continues to deliver a visible and proactive policing presence in Stockport Town Centre. By combining enforcement activity with public engagement, we are able to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities, from shop theft and anti-social behaviour to serious violence and knife crime.

“The arrests and positive stop search outcomes demonstrate our commitment to identifying and dealing with offenders, while our engagement work helps build stronger relationships with residents, businesses and visitors to the town centre.

“The deployment of the knife arch at Stockport Interchange is another important step in our efforts to reduce knife crime and make our public spaces safer. Working alongside our partners at TfGM, we will continue to use every tool available to prevent violence, protect the public and ensure Stockport remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”