Major drive to tackle anti-social behaviour in Rochdale

Anti-social behaviour

Rochdale police and the Police Authority have today announced plans for a major three-month drive to reduce anti-social behaviour at identified hotspots across the town.

Focused activity - particularly in the Heywood and Middleton areas - will take place during  February half term (20 February – 26 February), the Easter holidays (10 April – 23 April), at weekends and at times when an increase in anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance is expected.

Operations will concentrate mainly around youth and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, as experience has shown, it is a major factor in fuelling disorder and unacceptable behaviour.

They will involve: high-visibility policing in known hotspot areas; issuing fixed penalty notices; confiscation of alcohol; visits to both on and off-licenses; issuing of acceptable behaviour contracts as well as informing young people of alternative activities. They include partner agencies such as the council and trading standards.

The crackdown is part of a county - wide initiative that has a targeted action plan for each Division, specifically tailored to meet local needs. It's being supported by Greater Manchester Police Authority, which as well as providing £130,000 of funding, will be conducting surveys in each area to establish the views and experiences of local people.

Rochdale police’s lead officer on anti-social behaviour issues, Chief Inspector John Martin, said: “Reducing anti-social behaviour and putting respect back on the streets of our town is a priority for Rochdale police and this marks the start of many initiatives that will enable us to achieve this.

“Anti-social behaviour is a blight on communities and even more so during school holidays.  We understand that many residents are often concerned about the rise in youths causing annoyance during half-term breaks, which is why we are putting extra resources in place in Rochdale during these periods to make sure that the impact on local communities is limited.

“Targeted action plans have been drawn up for each area and I would like to assure the people of Rochdale that we will be doing everything within our power to combat anti-social behaviour and its causes. “

Councillor Barbara Todd, who represents the people of Rochdale on the Police Authority, said: “Through our public consultation work we are very aware that this sort of behaviour is a major cause of concern to many people. It affects their lives in a variety of ways, from making some people afraid to leave their homes in the evening to harming their local environment through graffiti and littering.

“The Authority is therefore pleased to be able to provide the funding for this crackdown by GMP. We will be watching the results closely as well as carrying out our own surveys and will be looking for a real change in the situation.”