16.03.23 – Home Office Commitment to Stoke on Trent, Vehicle Crime in Staffordshire
Written by Hitmix Local News on 15 March 2023
The Home Office has reconfirmed commitment to Stoke-on-Trent with plans for a long-term base in the city.
Earlier this year, the major government department signed a lease for 38,000 sq ft of office space in Two Smithfield in the city centre.
Now the Home Office has confirmed that, in partnership with the Government Property Agency (GPA), it is looking to deliver a high-quality office facility of between 85,000 and 110,000 sq ft in the city centre.
The development will support the Home Office’s plans to create more than 500 new jobs in the city in what is the second single biggest move of roles out of Whitehall to date.
Details around the multi-million pound commercial development are being kept under wraps while negotiations are ongoing but it is expected that the new facility will be ready for occupation in 2027.
Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Home Office has made this major commitment to our city and I am looking forward to working very closely with them in the future to help deliver this ambitious vision.
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Staffordshire Police have arrested more than 60 suspects as they continue to clampdown on vehicle crime across Staffordshire.
A dedicated operation; Operation Bormus, was created back in June 2022 to proactively target those responsible, and a dedicated ‘vehicle crime’ team was introduced earlier this year ..and they are responsible for a 55 percent increase in arrests and more than 10 suspects being charged.
Detective Inspector Andy Bryan said: “It’s really pleasing to see the continued progress being made by officers in this area.
“We realise the devastating impact vehicle crime can have on residents and businesses and it’s one of the main reasons why we’re continuing to do everything we can to put a stop to those responsible.
To read more about our Op Bormus team, visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/news/staffordshire/news/2022/december/new-dedicated-team-appointed-to-tackle-vehicle-crime/
For important tips on how to protect your car from thieves, visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/
