Crime in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent

Local officers have been working hard to secure orders against individuals who are begging, causing ASB and disrupting businesses. This involves working with the rough sleepers team and completing daily check ins with persons who are sleeping rough and causing such issues. Many persons have been served a community protection warning or notice and this prohibits them from committing certain behaviours otherwise they will be liable to arrest. Members of the public are encouraged to report such persons to the police and council so that we can provide support and signpost persons to services that may assist them.

Shoplifting is a common crime in the main retail areas (Alexandra Retail Park and Jasper Square) along with Tunstall High Street. Work is being done with the Early Intervention and Prevention Unit to offer advice and report where improvements to stores can be made to help prevent shoplifting before it happens.

Early sweeps of the location are also in place to engage with any rough sleepers found and to link them in with the Rough Sleeper’s Team in an attempt to get them verified as rough sleepers.
We will continue to target repeat offenders not only with criminal convictions but also with Community Protection Notices and post-conviction court orders such as Criminal Behaviour Orders where appropriate. We will continue to work closely with the various businesses to ensure that where possible, crime and anti-social behaviour is prevented and that suitable punitive action is taken where prevention has failed.

Operation Transom and Operation Reclaim is our response to nuisance off-road bikes in the county. In conjunction with the local council, we are trying to identify riders of the bikes, both through police reported incidents and information received by the local council. Where the evidence allows, police will carry out seizure of bikes and prosecution of any riders. There have been occasions where riders have been identified as residing in Local Authority housing and tenancy breach action has been taken.

The "Making Great Places" initiative in Tunstall aims to address community concerns and improve public spaces. Local officers are engaging with residents to discuss issues affecting the area, focusing on crime reduction and community safety. Recent consultations revealed that 76% of people agree on improving public spaces, with proposals including new tree planting and outdoor market stalls. Additionally, a £4.5 million plan is underway to enhance public spaces around the town centre, with feedback from residents to guide the improvements. Overall, the initiative is focused on creating a cleaner, safer, and greener environment for residents and visitors.