Eight men have been charged with a total of 57 offences following a police investigation into a series of thefts across Stockport. The charges come as part of a concerted effort by local authorities to combat retail crime, which continues to have a devastating impact on local businesses, staff, and the wider community.
The individuals charged include:
Stephen Ridgway (06/04/1980), of no fixed address, charged with 11 offences, including nine counts of theft, one count of attempted theft, and a breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.
Darren Sweeney (09/08/1969), of Victoria Park, Offerton, charged with 11 offences, including seven counts of theft, three breaches of a Public Order offence, and one count of common assault.
Dean Bower (08/07/1988), of Duke Street, Stockport, charged with nine counts of theft.
Thomas Stopford (01/03/1988), of no fixed address, charged with eight counts of theft.
James Brindle (23/07/1993), charged with five offences, including four counts of theft and a breach of Public Order.
Adam Poynton (19/01/1984), of Holmfield Close, Heaton Norris, charged with five counts of theft.
Lee Garland (06/01/1981), of no fixed address, charged with five counts of theft.
Craig Forde (13/10/1985), of Peel Hall Road, Manchester, charged with three counts of theft.
The Impact on Communities and Workers
Retail crime is far from a victimless offence. Beyond the financial loss to businesses, it places immense strain on retail staff, security personnel, and the surrounding community. Workers often face not only verbal abuse and intimidation, but also physical threats as they attempt to protect the businesses where they work. This creates an environment of fear and anxiety, where employees must operate under constant pressure.
For security teams, responding to these thefts can be dangerous and demoralising, as repeat offenders regularly return to cause further harm. The emotional toll on individuals working in retail should not be underestimated. Many are left feeling vulnerable and unprotected in their own workplace. Communities, too, suffer, as increased levels of crime and anti-social behaviour erode public confidence in the safety of local areas, potentially deterring visitors and affecting local businesses' ability to thrive.
Police Commitment to Tackling Crime
Stockport's Chief Inspector John Picton praised the Stockport Town Centre Neighbourhood Team for their determination in tackling criminality, stating:
"The Stockport Town Centre Neighbourhood Team continues to achieve outstanding results. The momentum continues apace, ensuring our police teams tackle criminality and anti-social behaviour, specifically in relation to theft-related offences.
"Our Stockport police teams relentlessly pursue those who harm our communities. The message is clear – criminality and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated."
Residents are encouraged to get involved with the Bee In The Loop Neighbourhood Alert scheme, which provides direct updates from neighbourhood policing teams about local incidents. The free service offers real-time text and email alerts to keep residents informed about activity on their street and in the wider community.
For more information and to sign up, visit: www.beeintheloop.co.uk.
This crackdown serves as a reminder that retail crime doesn't just affect businesses—it harms the entire community. Ongoing efforts by police and local authorities are vital to creating safer environments for both workers and residents.
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