September Policing Column – Chief Superintendent Peter Mason

Chief Superintendent Peter Mason

The division saw a big reduction in burglary in August compared with last year’s figures for the same month, but burglary is still a big challenge for the force. I would like to remind residents that one in three burglaries happen when doors and windows are left open or unlocked.

Making arrests for drugs offences is another of my priorities, and arrests are up by nearly 40% on last year. We are also having success in taking money and property off offenders, and I would encourage people to keep calling us with information on 0161 872 5050 or visit us in person at the police station on the Esplanade.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or pass on intelligence directly to police officers or community support officers while they are out on patrol. We will act on information received.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that although knife-related crime is not a major problem in Rochdale, we take the issue of people carrying knives very seriously. There will therefore be extra activity around some of our schools and the town centre to target those carrying knives, and I would again appeal for anyone with information to contact us.

Tune in to the police show on the first Thursday of each month from 3pm to 5pm on Rochdale’s Crescent Radio, 97FM.

Neighbourhood Area Updates

North Rochdale (covering Norden, Healey, Bamford, Central, Town Centre and Spotland & Falinge)
Operation Vortex will focus on raising confidence in the police across local communities in Lower Falinge. Officers will work with partners including the local authority, the DVLA and TV licensing. In addition, Operation Quad will continue to run at weekends to target the illegal use of off-road vehicles, and Operation Kamensk will continue to combat alcohol-related anti-social behaviour on Fridays and Saturdays.

South Rochdale (covering Kingsway, Castleton, Milkstone & Deeplish and Balderstone & Kirkholt)
An operation will run in Milkstone and Deeplish over the coming month to target offenders who are stealing catalytic converters from cars, particularly Nissan Micras, and Operation Cottersmore will target anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Newbold and Waithlands. In addition, PCSOs on Milkstone and Deeplish will work closely with the communities during Ramadan.

Pennines (covering Littleborough Lakeside, Wardle and West Littleborough, Smallbridge and Firgrove and Milnrow and Newhey)
Police have continued to focus on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage on the Great Howarth Estate. After much hard work and some good arrests the burglary problem in the Pennines has been significantly reduced – in August there were just 12 burglaries across the whole area, and work will continue in this area.

Pennines officers also took part in Operation Yukon to target distraction burglaries and raise awareness of the Nominated Neighbour Scheme. This involves participants not talking to or opening the door to cold callers unless they are accompanied by a 'nominated neighbour' or friend. If anyone would like to join the nominated neighbour scheme, packs are available from Littleborough Police Station or your local police community support officer.

And finally

We need you to…

Tell us about your issues, who's responsible and where you feel we should be prioritising our resources.

We will be working closely with our partners to deal with the issues deemed a priority for the local community.

To let us know what you see as a priority in your area, please contact us on the following numbers or email addresses, or attend one of the surgeries listed below.

North Rochdale – 0161 856 9961 / rochdalenorthpartnership@gmp.police.uk
South Rochdale – 0161 856 8549 / rochdalesouthpartnership@gmp.police.uk
Pennines – 0161 856 4556 / penninepartnership@gmp.police.uk


Forthcoming police surgeries

South Rochdale
Deeplish Community Centre, Wednesday 8 October, 6 – 7:30pm

Pennines
Wardle and West Littleborough PACT meeting, Wardle Community Building: Wednesday 24 September, 2pm.
Police surgery, Smallbridge Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, Tuesday 30 September, 1pm.