Operation AVRO tackles neighbourhood crime in Stockport

The operation, which targets efforts to address neighbourhood crime, brought together Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Stockport Council, and community partners to tackle issues including burglaries, vehicle crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), off-road bike offences, and environmental crime.

The operation highlighted one of the top priorities for Stockport’s new District Commander, Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who took on the role six weeks ago. With 21 years of experience at GMP, Chf Supt Hughes has already made tackling the scourge of off-road bikes a key focus for his team.

Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services joined Stockport Council’s Thriving Neighbourhoods Environmental Regulation team, alongside neighbourhood and traffic officers at a checkpoint in Hazel Grove. The operation focused on ensuring that commercial vehicles such as vans, pickups, and vehicles carrying waste were compliant with environmental regulations, including the possession of appropriate paperwork, waste carriers’ licences, and safe transport practices. Failure to do could result in a £300 fixed penalty or prosecution. Officers spoke to the drivers of 32 vehicles, providing advice and guidance on compliance. In addition, 5 persons were reported for traffic offences and 1 person arrested for drug driving.

Councillor Baynham said: "Ensuring environmental regulations are followed is a vital part of keeping Stockport safe and sustainable. It was great to join the Environmental Regulation team and GMP in Hazel Grove, working together to ensure vehicles carrying waste or operating commercially comply with the law. These proactive operations not only enforce the rules but also provide advice and education, helping to prevent future violations."

Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport joined GMP officers in Stockport town centre, where off-road bikes were a key focus. Under Operation Hurricane, officers pursued two illegal bikers, recovering one bike and one discarded bag containing controlled drugs.

Councillor Singleton said: "Off-road bikes are a danger to our communities, causing nuisance and posing serious safety risks. I’m proud to see GMP taking firm action against this issue as part of Operation AVRO. Recovering illegal bikes and removing drugs from our streets sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. It’s fantastic to see our officers working so effectively to make Stockport a safer place for all."

In addition to enforcement activities, Operation AVRO included:
• Cadet Test Purchase Operation - 10 stores were visited to test compliance with knife sale laws.
• 2 misuse of drugs act warrants were executed with 1 person arrested for possession with intent to supply.
• Knife crime awareness sessions delivered at Stockport College.
• Crime prevention stalls at Offerton Co-op, promoting the ‘Bee in the Loop’ neighbourhood safety initiative.
• Leafletting in Offerton to raise awareness of ASB and vehicle crime.