Public urged to report suspicious drone activity near Rochdale prison

Drone

Residents in Rochdale are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drone activity near Buckley Hall Prison as criminals increasingly use drones to smuggle prohibited items into prisons across the country.

Items such as drugs, tobacco, and mobile phones are being transported into prisons via drones in a growing trend that has raised concerns among law enforcement and prison authorities.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has a dedicated operation in place to disrupt, prevent, and tackle organised crime linked to prisons. The force is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying individuals involved in these illegal activities.

Sergeant Walsh of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood team said: “We would ask people who live in the locality or frequent the vicinity of Buckley Hall Prison in Rochdale to report any suspicious behaviour or activities to police straight away, either 999 if a crime is in progress or 101 and online reporting for non-emergencies.”

Residents with information about those engaging in drone-related crimes are encouraged to come forward. Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sgt Walsh emphasised the importance of public cooperation: “It is really important that if anyone has information about individuals involved in such activities, they report this.”