Serious organised crime in Shelton and Hanley Park has continued to take a hit after Staffordshire Police arrested its 200th suspect in its Making Great Places initiative.

From October last year to the end of January, the force has been working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to rid the area of organised crime and to tackle the problems affecting local people the most.

Arrests in the area have taken place for offences including rape, criminal exploitation, drug supply and more.

A total of 50 people have been charged with offences as part of police's efforts. Others have been given strict bail conditions and are still being investigated, while some have been referred to youth offending services or given community resolutions.

Staffordshire Police and the council have been targeting Hanley Park and Shelton (Nub News).

Stoke-on-Trent City Council have also cleared more than 100 illegal dumping incidents and issued 32 fixed penalty notices associated to the incidents, carried out checks alongside Environmental Health on 11 premises, repaired 33 road defects and continue to carry out weapon sweeps in parks and high footfall areas.

Four closure notices have also been served to retailers illegally selling tobacco and vapes, along with one vehicle being seized for environmental waste licence issues.

Chief Superintendent Elliott Sharrard Williams, Commander for Stoke-on-Trent, said: "I'm certain that our robust efforts to target those causing misery and damage to local communities is going to greatly benefit everyone living, working and visiting Hanley Park and Shelton.

"We're determined to continue working alongside the city council and wider partners to build on the foundations we've set with our enforcement. We want to continue making positive links to local people, making sure they know that we're here to help them, and to continue taking decisive action against those engaging in crime across the city."

Jane Ashworth said she was 'incredibly proud' of the officers involved in the initiative (LDRS).

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader, Jane Ashworth said: "Once again, I am incredibly proud of the officers involved in Making Great Places. From city council officers in the ASB Team, Environmental Crime and Highways to the officers at Staffordshire Police, the collaborative approach has paid dividends in reducing crime rates in the Shelton and Hanley Park area of the city. From raising the visibility of officers, and showing residents and business owners 'We hear you and we are taking action'."

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