Ford Green and Smallthorne

Anti-social behaviour (ASB), looking specifically at off-road bikes.

Off-road bikes on the nature reserve and groups of youths at local restaurants/stores continues to be a focus. The use of Section 59 notices and Community Protection Warnings/Notices have been, and continue to be, used to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.

Tackling traffic offences and anti-social use of off-road bikes

This continues to be a priority for us to reduce the impact this behaviour is having on local residents.
Over the past quarter, and continuing into the next, we have been and will continue to take action to address this issue through:
• Targeted patrols and specialist support: We are working closely with our Road Crime Team, including bike officers and advanced drivers, to target key locations at the times where issues are most prevalent, based on intelligence and data.
• Coordinated operations: We are carrying out targeted days of action using a range of resources, including Road Crime officers, police off-road bikes, drones, and the fixed-wing aircraft to identify and disrupt offenders.
• Partnership working and enforcement: We continue to work alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council as part of Operation Transom, our joint approach to tackling nuisance off-road bikes. With information provided by the public, we are identifying riders and, where evidence allows, seizing bikes and prosecuting those responsible.

We are also working with housing partners to address issues linked to properties. In some cases, where offenders live in local authority housing, tenancy enforcement action has been taken.

Anti Social Behaviour

This has been identified as an area historically high in serious violence and as such, is an area dedicated for patrols using government funding with officers carrying out foot patrols in the worst affected streets. Other locations have been identified for ASB mainly from gathering youths and other areas have been targeted for patrols by PCSOs in support of youth provision for the area.

Tackling drug use and drug dealing

Following feedback from local residents, drug use and drug dealing remain concerns within the area and continue to be a policing priority.
Over the past quarter, and continuing into the next, we are addressing these issues through:
• Increased visibility and engagement: We are carrying out regular foot patrols to provide a visible presence, deter offending, and engage with the community to gather information and provide reassurance.
• Proactive enforcement and support: We are taking positive action against those involved in drug-related activity. Where appropriate, we will also work with partner agencies and charities to offer support to individuals who wish to address substance misuse.
• Appropriate action where support is declined: Where individuals do not wish to engage with support, or are not eligible, we will take appropriate and proportionate enforcement action to address offending behaviour.
• Partnership working: We continue to work closely with partner agencies to disrupt drug-related activity, reduce harm, and minimise the impact on local residents and businesses.

Tackling retail crime and theft

Retail crime, including shop theft, remains a concern within the community and continues to be a priority for us to address.
Over the past quarter, and continuing into the next, we are working to reduce this issue through:
• Supporting local businesses: We are working closely with retailers to help them operate safely and confidently, reducing the impact that crime can have on their staff, customers, and businesses.
• Partnership working and prevention: We continue to work with partners including PABCIS, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and store staff to strengthen crime prevention measures, share intelligence, and identify those responsible for offending.
• Proactive enforcement: We are focused on identifying offenders and taking swift and appropriate action against those who commit crimes affecting the retail community.
We remain committed to protecting businesses and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for those who live, work, and visit the area.