Half term trip to police museum thanks to neighbourhood officers

Youngsters enjoy their visit to the GMP museum with officers from the Rochdale North Police team.

Youngsters learnt about the history of policing during a tour of Greater Manchester Police’s museum.

The trip, organised by Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), was part of a host of half term activities being run for young people in the area.

Sergeant Brendan Walsh for Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is our way of showing youngsters the benefits that policing has had for people over the years. By doing this we have been able to show them that police have and still do play a significant part in the community and people’s lives.”

During the trip the children were able to view the old prison cells and courtroom as well as police uniforms from past to present day.

Police constable John Byrne, community beat manager for Central ward, said: “All of the young people thoroughly enjoyed the day and were fascinated by the things that featured in the museum.

“I plan to organise similar events in the future to improve the relationship the police has with the young people and parents.

“Young people are the key to this community’s future and by working with them closely we can achieve a more positive future.”

Rochdale Division is taking part in Safer Spaces, a Forcewide initiative aimed at encouraging the responsible use of public parks and open areas, which will see police officers carrying out a number of operations in support of their ongoing enforcement work to tackle anti-social behaviour.

One of the initiatives see the Community Beat Manager for Norden being joined by PCSOs at Caldershaw Primary School and St Vincents Primary School where they will be taking part in a number of youth club activities taking place over the half term break.

Officers will continue with their work on off road bikers in the Moorland of Spotland. The Off Road Bike Unit will support the team in dealing with any anti-social behaviour caused by quad and off road bikes.

Other work includes high visibility patrols around schools, parks and public spaces to provide reassurance and act as a deterrent to would-be trouble makers. Those taking part in anti-social behaviour will be issued with direction to leave notices. The notices give police powers to disperse anyone acting untoward out of the area. Officers will also be seizing alcohol from any youths involved in anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Walsh added: “We are at the time of year when summer is approaching and traditionally anti-social behaviour increases. We aim to encourage and enable people to go out and enjoy their local parks and open spaces without having to be confronted with such behaviour. We hope to achieve this with extra high visibility patrols, and trying to find activities for youth's who otherwise may congregate and become involved in anti-social behaviour.”

The NPT is encouraging local youngsters to get involved in activities during the holidays such as youth groups, football and sports as well as outreach programs that are advertised in a publication provided by Youth Services. They will also be handing out crime prevention leaflets to youngsters encouraging them to register their valuables on the Immobolise website.

For more information and to contact the neighbourhood policing team for Rochdale North, dial 0161 856 9961 or email: rochdalenorthpartnership@gmp.police.uk.