Crime in Joiner's Square, Stoke-on-Trent

Operation Alcaic continues focused on tackling the rising theft of motorbikes and mopeds across the city. We now have a dedicated officer leading on this priority, and early results have already seen several key arrests. This operation closely links with our ongoing work under Operation Transom, targeting anti-social behaviour involving nuisance motorbikes. We are working in close partnership with our Roads Policing Team, using specialist tactics, NPAS (police helicopter), and drone technology to identify and apprehend offenders. These crimes are not only causing financial loss and distress to victims but also endangering the lives of both the offenders and other road users. We remain committed to taking robust enforcement action and encourage all residents to secure their bikes, keep them out of sight where possible, and report any suspicious activity or intelligence to us.

Our neighbourhood patrols and PCSOs continue to maintain a high-visibility presence in key locations, providing reassurance to the public and acting as a point of contact for any concerns. In recent months, we have seen an increase in rough sleeping, and we are working closely with the local authority and homelessness support charities to ensure that those in need are offered appropriate support and engagement. Our focus is on providing long-term, sustainable outcomes, connecting individuals with housing, mental health, and addiction services where necessary, while also addressing behaviours that may cause distress to others. This work will remain a key priority over the coming months as we strive to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the wider environment for all members of the community.

We are working closely with our partners and our Child Exploitation Team to address a spate of reports in Hanley Park. In response, we will be carrying out a mix of high-visibility patrols and targeted undercover operations to identify those responsible and bring offenders to justice. We take these reports extremely seriously and are committed to doing everything we can to make the park a safer place, ensuring local residents and families can enjoy it with confidence.

Alongside the local authority and others, we have focused on environmental improvements, such as clearing fly tipping, making derelict buildings safe, and enhancing shared public spaces. These efforts have already delivered results, with a significant 20% reduction in overall crime in the area. As we move forward, we want to build on this success by deepening trust, particularly within our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. We will be doing this through a range of engagement initiatives, including ‘Meet the Commander’ events, PCSO-led drop-in surgeries, educational visits to local schools, and an ongoing visible presence within the neighbourhood.

Our Action Fund patrols and PCSOs continue to maintain a high-visibility presence in key locations, providing reassurance to the public and acting as a point of contact for any concerns. In recent months, we have seen an increase in rough sleeping, and we are working closely with the local authority and homelessness support charities to ensure that those in need are offered appropriate support and engagement. Our focus is on providing long-term, sustainable outcomes, connecting individuals with housing, mental health, and addiction services where necessary, while also addressing behaviours that may cause distress to others. This work will remain a key priority over the coming months as we strive to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the wider environment for all members of the community.