We understand that residents don’t get to choose their neighbours, and at times, clashes in lifestyle, habits or values can lead to tension and disputes.

Our PCSOs are active and visible in the community, working closely with key partners including the local authority’s anti-social behaviour (ASB) teams, housing associations, and voluntary organisations such as Harmony and United Staffordshire Against Hate. Where appropriate, we support early intervention and mediation as a way to de-escalate conflict and help neighbours reach practical, long-term resolutions.

However, when behaviour escalates beyond civil disputes into criminal or persistent anti-social activity, we are firm in our approach. We use civil enforcement tools including Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs), and support housing partners in taking action where tenancy agreements are being breached.

We are also committed to participating in ASB Case Review Panels, ensuring that all agencies involved share information and insight to fully understand complex situations and find the most effective solutions.

Tackling motorbike and moped theft.

Operation Alcaic is a newly launched initiative focused on tackling the rising theft of motorbikes and mopeds across the city. We now have a dedicated officer leading on this priority, and early results have already seen several key arrests.

This operation closely links with our ongoing work under Operation Transom, targeting anti-social behaviour involving nuisance motorbikes. We are working in close partnership with our Roads Policing Team, using specialist tactics, NPAS (police helicopter), and drone technology to identify and apprehend offenders.

These crimes are not only causing financial loss and distress to victims but also endangering the lives of both the offenders and other road users. We remain committed to taking robust enforcement action and encourage all residents to secure their bikes, keep them out of sight where possible, and report any suspicious activity or intelligence to us.

Off-road bikes and the associated anti-social behaviour. Residents have told us about the damage to green spaces and vehicles, the noise, and the fear these bikes cause when ridden dangerously on roads and through parks.

To tackle this, we are continuing Operation Transom in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. This involves the neighbourhood policing team, roads policing unit, local authority anti-social behaviour (ASB) team, and dedicated communications support. The goal is clear: to identify offenders, take enforcement action, and reassure the public through visible and proactive policing. As part of our ongoing work, we have carried out targeted days of action. These operations include the use of drones, NPAS (police helicopter), a fixed-wing aircraft, and specially trained officers using off-road bikes. This allows us to safely pursue and apprehend offenders, even in hard-to-reach areas.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) caused by youths congregating and being disrespectful to local residents.

We’ve received increasing reports of local youths behaving in an anti-social and disrespectful way towards residents. Our PCSOs are working closely with the local councillor and the local authority’s ASB teams to put together plans on how best to tackle these issues. We’d encourage the community to continue reporting anything that concerns you so we can respond effectively. You’ll also see more visibility in the area, including the mobile police station, as we work to reassure residents and address these behaviours.