Eight men charged with 57 offences after series of targeted Co-op shop thefts

Eight men have been charged for their involvement in a series of targeted thefts from Co-op stores in the Stockport area.

A total of 57 charges being brought against the group. Among them is Stephen Ridgway, 44, of no fixed abode who has been charged with 11 offences, including nine counts of theft, one count of attempted theft and one breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Darren Sweeney, 55, of Victoria Park, Offerton, has also been charged with 11 offences, including seven counts of theft, three counts of a Public Order breach and one count of common assault, while Dean Bower, 36, of Duke Street, Stockport has been charged with nine counts of theft. Thomas Stopford, also 36, of no fix abode has been charged with eight counts of theft.

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James Brindle, 31, has been charged with five offences. This included four counts of theft and one count of a Public Order breach.

Adam Poynton, 40, of Holmfield Close, Heaton Norris has been charged with five counts of theft while Lee Garland, 43, of no fixed abode has been charged with five counts of theft. Craig Forde, 39, of Peel Hall Road, Manchester has been charged with three counts of theft.

Stockport Chief Inspector John Picton said: "The Stockport Town Centre Neighbourhood Team continue to achieve outstanding results. The momentum continues apace, ensuring our police teams tackle criminality and anti-social behaviour, specifically on this occasion involving 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.

"I would recommend to our local communities that people can sign up for the Neighbourhood Alert scheme Bee In The Loop, which is your direct line to your neighbourhood policing team. To receive free text or email alerts to keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community, sign up to www.beeintheloop.co.uk."