Police inspectors answer resident's concerns

Inspector Fern and Inspector Wood answered the questions and concerns of local residents at Heywood’s Online PACT on Wednesday 2 August.

Most of the comments and questions were regarding the latest spate of burglaries in Heywood.

• ‘These burglary’s need to stop people can’t sleep at night and I for one want to patrol the streets as the police are not protecting the people off Heywood’
  
  ‘As a recent burglary victim, I am concerned that the known burglars are still on the rampage. There was so much evidence pointing to one suspect for my burglary, yet after being arrested it appears he is back on the streets committing further crimes.
  I understand the police are frustrated by these known burglars but just how much evidence is needed to charge them and take them to court?’

Inspector Fern answered: “I feel your frustration and my team and I are focusing on combatting this burglary scourge. I have increased both visible and plain clothes patrols in Heywood. My team and indeed all the officers working across the Rochdale Borough are helping to resolve the situation.

"You have my promise that these individuals will be brought to justice and I will do everything within my power to ensure they cannot harm the good people of Heywood for as long as possible.

“Further arrests are being made and very strong remand applications will be applied. We all share your frustration with the Criminal Justice system but we will be presenting strong reasons why these individuals should be kept in custody.” 

• How the community can help and be more active.' 

Inspector Fern answered: “There are many opportunities to assist from Homewatch groups, voluntary roles, special constables and community support groups.

"However, I do believe in the Peelian principles, in particular, police are the public and the public are the police, the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.

"So, the simple things help a great deal. Locking windows and doors. Keeping valuables out of sight. Looking out for your neighbours particularly the vulnerable. Reporting suspicious persons and behaviour.

"I would however temper this with the need to ensure the public’s safety.

"lease pass us the information however small. It will form part of a larger jigsaw and allow us to combat this problem head on.” 

• 'There seems to be a burglary boom in Heywood but we don't see anything being done.’
  
  ‘There are so many burglaries in Heywood and Hopwood, what is being done about this, I've not seen any police in the Hopwood area for a very long time. We are scared to sleep and night or go to work in the day.’
  
  ‘There have been numerous reports if burglaries etch in Hopwood the past few days what are you doing about it? A prominent police presence would help.’
  
  ‘What exactly is being done to combat the spate of burglaries in Heywood recently, particularly in Hopwood?’

Inspector Fern answered: “The burglary problem in Heywood is the focus of the whole division. My senior leadership team have been very supportive and we are focusing our resources and efforts to arrest those responsible and ensure they are put before the courts.

“I have prided myself throughout my career at being able to catch my wanted criminals vary efficiently. However, I am increasingly frustrated that this one individual has eluded my team and for longer than anyone else who hadn’t left the country.

“The people of Heywood have been very helpful but I ask for the information to keep being phoned in and a little patience to allow us to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.

“My team have been out there every minute they can, they have changed to night shifts and have been supported by officers from other areas and departments of Rochdale.

“The numbers of officers patrolling Heywood has been increased to combat this threat. Some, like last night, have been highly visible.

"The changing of shifts to combat the peak times may have resulted in you not seeing them during the day as much.

"I hope you are reassured that when the people of Heywood are sleeping my team and I are not and will be doing everything we can to keep you safe.

“We have increased patrols and significant resources and efforts are being made to rectify the situation.

"I check the burglary reports every day and feel it personally when we haven’t arrested our key offenders. Despite already putting them before courts a few weeks ago, they have continued to offend throughout Heywood.

“Officers have been deployed and we are using a variety of tactics and resources and I hope to deliver some good news very shortly.”

• Why are courts too soft on petty thieves. There is no deterrent is there? 

Inspector Fern answered: “The courts are governed by guidelines set by parliament.

"There are many ways in which the police and our partner agencies try to divert offenders away from crime. Some of these are very successful but as with all areas of life there are some people that are determined to not follow the rules.

"Many offenders do genuinely need help and have found themselves in a situation they have very little control over.

“Our placed based and multi-agency look at ways to support both victims and offenders because often they are the same individual.

“Obviously, jail is needed on occasion but it is a temporary respite and without robust education and probation regimes the problem returns a few months later.”

• ‘If these burglars enter our homes and we hurt them badly with a weapon i.e. a bat. What would happen to us.’

Inspector Wood answered: “In essence you can use reasonable force to defend yourself and your property from people trying to enter your home whilst you are in your house.

"Reasonable is the big word here, obviously chasing them down the street would with a baseball bat would not be reasonable as you are not defending yourself or your property then. This is a general overview.

"In regard to persons patrolling the streets at night I can understand that people wish to protect the community against offenders. However, I would warn against this as you are putting yourselves at risk of potentially getting hurt or getting in trouble with the police.

“We all need to work together and that means phoning in all pieces of information that you see or hear about to the police.

"Officers are all fully aware of who we believe are responsible so they are ready to act.”

“We are in the hands of the courts when it comes to sentencing. If you believe offenders that have been treated to leniently by the courts I would encourage you to speak to your MP.”

• Where I can get stickers and leaflets for my neighbours on my street about obvious points to take to avoid burglaries etc. How do I go about organising it?’ 

Inspector Wood answered: “Send the request to this email address heywoodandmiddletoninpt@gmp.police.uk and a PCSO will contact you and help you set one up.”