Four arrested as Operation Rimini returns to Stockport town centre

Four people have been arrested following targeted enforcement and engagement activity in Stockport town centre as part of Operation Rimini.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Central Neighbourhood Policing Teams were joined by specialist units and partners on Friday 26 June for a day of high-visibility patrols, focusing on tackling shoplifting, drug offences, and anti-social behaviour in key hotspot areas.

Throughout the day, officers carried out patrols, stop searches, and traffic enforcement, alongside community engagement activity aimed at building trust, and gathering local intelligence as part of the return of Operation Rimini, which previously saw six days of action in 2023, which resulted in 39 arrests and 103 charges in Stockport. Today, Greater Manchester Police has announced that 4 arrests have been made for theft, drug offences, and vehicle crime during the targeted town centre patrols, along with six Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) being issued, including three for seatbelt offences, and two vehicles were seized, an Audi and an electric bike. Those arrested included a man charged and remanded to court for theft and possession of Class A drugs, a man charged and fined following a theft offence, a woman charged in connection with possession of Class A and B drugs following a stop search, and a man who has been remanded to the Crown Court after being charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, and fraud.

Alongside enforcement activity, officers engaged with the public at a community stand in Stockroom, where 22 people signed up to GMP's Bee in the Loop service to receive local updates. A 'Coffee with a Copper' session was also held at a local Starbucks, giving residents and businesses the opportunity to speak directly with local officers about their concerns.

Officers continued patrols into the evening to support the popular Foodie Friday event, providing reassurance and targeting offences linked to the night-time economy, including Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Inspector Jason Holmwood, from GMP's Central Neighbourhood Policing Team in Stockport, said: "This operation brought together officers and partners to carry out visible, targeted activity in the areas where we know incidents are most likely to occur.

"Alongside making arrests and taking action against offenders, we also focused on speaking with the public, understanding concerns and building relationships with residents and businesses.

"We will continue this approach as part of Operation Rimini, ensuring Stockport town centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone"