Rochdale joins 'Retail Crime Week of Action'

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

Police will be focusing on business-related crime

Rochdale police officers, businesses and partners have joined forces this week to participate in the national Retail Crime Week of Action, which began on Monday (14 October).

Police and community partners will host joint visits to businesses across the town, including inspections carried out alongside Rochdale Council, Trading Standards, Licensing, Community Safety teams, and the RSPCA, among others.

The initiative aims to address business-related crime, with increased police presence and a range of preventive measures planned across the district.

Throughout the week, local police, in collaboration with partners, will work closely with businesses, retailers, and the wider community to raise awareness of retail crime.

The week-long campaign offers an opportunity to tackle key issues affecting the local area, prevent offending behaviour, and provide crime prevention advice to shop owners.

A spokesperson from Rochdale Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "During this week of action you will see increased policing activity across the district.

"This will involve police and partners working together to engage with local businesses, retails, and the community to raise awareness of business crime in the area. This week of action is an opportunity to tackle the key issues affecting the local community, provide targeted prevention of offenders and deliver crime prevention advise to retailers."

Neighbourhood Policing Team officers have already been assisting council partners in conducting visits to licensed premises, grocery stores, and vape shops. These visits have focused on inspections, compliance checks, and enforcement actions.

To date, illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and vaping products with a street value of £20,000 have been seized.

The Retail Crime Week of Action serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and maintaining safety standards within the community.

For further details or concerns, residents are encouraged to reach out to their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.