Stockport Independent Issue 194

SEPTEMBER 2025 4 WhatsApp or Tel: 07592 433613 Website: www.allcapscomputers.co.uk Email: info@allcapscomputers.co.uk • NO CALLOUT CHARGE • No fix, no fee • No job too small • Advice availability • Fully qualified • Patient and professional • 6 years of experience in the trade SERVICES • Repairs • Security • Lessons • Device Setups • Old Devices • Remote Support What do we do? ALL CAPS COMPUTERS is a mobile repair service which is comprehensive and easy to use, as most repairs can be completed in the comfort of your own home. We provide a range of services including computer repairs, lessons, software installs, device setups and more. CHARITIES across Stock- port are waiting to see if they have been successful in applying for grants of up to £5,000 from the Ver- non Building Society. The society called for grant applications from charities, social enterprises and grass- roots organisations across the area to apply before the end of August deadline. Since launching in January 2024, the Vernon Charitable Foundation has given out £73,500 to 24 local charities. It was launched to create a lasting legacy across Greater Manchester and Cheshire as part of the Stockport head- quartered society’s centenary celebrations last year. Earlier this year, eleven charities across Stockport received Vernon Charitable Foundation grants, including Stockport Canal Boat Trust in Marple which received £2,500 and Stockport Talking Newspaper Association, which received £4,757.42. Vernon’s chief executive Darren Ditchburn said: “We know local not-for-profits are struggling to survive right now. Vernon Charitable Foun- dation is just one of the many ways that we’re helping them. “We also support local grassroot organisations and social enterprises via a sep- arate funding programme called Community Stars, which gives out smaller grants of up to £2,000 for wor- thy causes, including those not registered as a charity. “Over the past 13 years we have donated over £140,000 via Community Stars to fund everything from local trans- portation to new equipment.” SOCIETY OFFERS A HELPING HAND Grant: Stockport Canal Boat Trust receives its funding Crime fighting initiative delivers results for town SHOPLIFTING arrests and charges are up and incidents of anti-so- cial behaviour are down in Stockport fol- lowing a pro-active police operation. As part of that ongoing drive Greater Manches- ter Police (GMP) officers, police cadets and specialist resources were out in town centre for a dedicated day of action in August. The day’s activity, run under GMP’s Operation Rimini, was led by the force’s neighbourhood team and was part of the Safe4Summer campaign, focused on mak- ing town centres a safe and enjoyable place for residents to live and visitors to enjoy. While out on patrol, officers intervened in a shoplift- ing incident and arrested two women on suspicion of theft and assaulting a shopworker. One was subse- quently charged with a public order offence. As part of the drive to tackle retail crime and inci- dents from repeat offend- ers, GMP says there are 14 Pro-active: Police carrying out Operation Rimini patrols Criminal Behaviour Orders now active in Stockport town centre. Officers also conducted test purchasing alongside trading standards officers and police cadets. Eight stores were tested against the sales of vapes and all stores passed, with each of them challenging the cadets for proof of age. Since the launch of Rimini in 2023, shoplifting arrests have increased by 49 per cent, shoplifting charges have increased by 45 per cent and ASB incidents have fallen by 6.1 per cent. GMP’s Stockport Districts Operational Policing Chief Inspector John Picton, said: “The high visibility of police during dedicated days such as Operation Rimini support the everyday efforts of our neigh- bourhood policing teams. “Retail crime blights our high streets and we’re mak- ing great progress building relationships with retailers and shopworkers, gathering evidence packages, arresting repeat offenders, and taking proactive measures to bring crime down. “Since the launch of Oper- ation Rimini in 2023 we have made over 80 arrests and more than 205 charges have been secured for vari- ous offences. “Our efforts to combat crime and anti-social behav- iour in our town centre and beyond is continuing. Our communities in Stockport should feel safe where they live, work and spend their free time.”