Crime drops and enforcement rises in Stoke-on-Trent after Winter of Action
Local council and police team up for safety initiative
Following a coordinated Winter of Action, crime and anti-social behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent’s town centres have decreased.
Led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police from 1st December 2025 to 31st January 2026, the programme aimed to enhance safety and public confidence through enforcement actions, environmental initiatives, and direct support for vulnerable residents.
Since early 2025, results have included a nine per cent reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour and a rise in enforcement and support activities.
Trading Standards conducted raids seizing illicit and counterfeit cigarettes, vapes, and illegal tobacco. They initiated immediate and scheduled closures of targeted premises.
Road safety enforcement involved a multi-agency stop check on Leek Road, where officers issued numerous tickets for various offences and seized uninsured vehicles.
Coordinated days of action with over 60 partner organisations addressed issues such as weapon sweeps and clean-ups, alongside efforts by the council’s rough sleeping team.
The Winter of Action period saw significant support for rough sleepers, with accommodations provided through the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.
A £1.4 million fund will continue to bolster prevention and recovery through the city’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, extending efforts into 2026.
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“This Winter of Action has delivered clear, measurable results. Crime is down, enforcement is up and we have taken firm action against illegal trading and anti-social behaviour.
“We have also supported vulnerable people into accommodation and strengthened our partnership approach across the city.
“We will continue this work throughout 2026 to ensure our town centres are safe, welcoming places for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Chief Inspector Laura Davies, of the Stoke North local policing team and force lead for anti-social behaviour (ASB), said: “By working with partners to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in town centres across Stoke-on-Trent, we have been able to reduce reports by almost nine per cent.
“I hope these results show that we are committed to tackling issues that matter most to local people, businesses and communities.
"This won't stop as we approach the spring and summer months, and I can assure people that we will continue to work proactively with partners to tackle local issues robustly and effectively.”