'Thanks for making Freehold a place to feel proud to live in again' - Residents react to neighbourhood police initiative

An initiative between GMP Rochdale and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has led to significant improvements in the Freehold neighbourhood, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour through innovative orders and increased funding.

In December 2023, Operation Affect was launched as a dedicated police and partnership response to crime in Freehold.

Over the years, multiple policing operations had targeted drugs, violence, anti-social behaviour, and organised crime groups (OCGs) in the area.

While these efforts had resulted in high-profile convictions, the removal of one OCG often left a power vacuum, allowing others to take their place.

Operation Affect was designed to break this cycle and provide a sustainable solution.

The initiative began with a covert operation tracking offenders involved in violence, exploitation, and drug dealing. Over several months, specialist officers built strong cases against criminals.

As a result, police executed 11 warrants, made 48 arrests, seized large quantities of drugs, cash, and weapons, secured three closure orders on nuisance properties linked to drugs, and engaged with thousands of residents.
 

Read more: Police shut down building tormented by anti-social behaviourPublished: 21 August 2024

A key part of the operation was working alongside Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to understand residents’ concerns and implement a policing patrol plan tailored to their needs.

Officers ensured visibility at all hours, allowing for an effective and lasting response to crime and anti-social behaviour.

 

 

In November 2024, the first-ever Open Space Closure Order Zone in Greater Manchester Police was introduced in Freehold.

This order prohibited non-residents from congregating in stairwells, on landings, bridges, near bin chutes, and in open spaces attached to properties – the very issues residents had highlighted as their main concerns.
 

Read more: New safety zone for Freehold as police crack down on crimePublished: 05 November 2024

As the three-month closure order comes to an end, the initiative has been deemed a success. Residents have shared positive feedback, with comments such as: “This is the best thing to happen around here in a long time,” “We definitely feel safer in the evenings,” “Anti-social behaviour in general has decreased,” and “Thanks to you all for making Freehold a place to feel proud to live in again.”

Due to the success of the order, a renewal is not required, but Operation Affect is far from over, with continued police presence in the area.

The initiative has also gained national recognition for its creative use of civil powers, injunctions, and strong community collaboration.

RBH continues to invest in community activities, working with partners such as Culture Co-op and Rochdale Youth Service. Upcoming events include DJ workshops, a hair masterclass, and winter community gatherings.

On Tuesday 3 January, RBH organised a community clean-up day in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy and Rochdale Borough Council.

Further design work is underway for RBH’s investment plans, which will enhance security and access to homes, improve refuse and recycling facilities, and upgrade the visual appearance of the area.

 

 

Inspector Meena Yasin, who has been leading the initiative, said: “This operation has very much been community-focused and is the product of hours of interaction with local residents and partners, representing what they want from their police force.

"Throughout this operation, we have spoken to residents who have been unable to sleep at night, who were scared to carry out everyday activities within their own homes due to the anti-social behaviour and criminal activity of a small number of individuals exploiting the neighbourhood.

"I’m proud we could make this commitment to the community, and my team and I look forward to future investment and improvements in the area.”

Hayley Stockham, RBH director of neighbourhood services, said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour, and I’m really proud of the work our team has done in Freehold alongside our partners in Greater Manchester Police.

"We have always said that we will only know we are making a difference when our customers tell us, and we know from talking to Freehold residents that this partnership work has already made a huge difference.

"We also know that this is just the first step – we will continue to work with the community here to make sure that Freehold is a place where everyone is proud to live and work.”

The ongoing success of Operation Affect was recently featured on BBC’s The One Show.

The full segment can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.