New crack team of police officers in Rochdale

A new crack team of officers in Rochdale has arrested 45 people in just five weeks.

Arrests were made for offences including possession and supply of drugs, robbery, burglary, vehicle crime and failing to appear at court - 13 were charged or cautioned for drugs offences and 18 were bailed pending further enquiries.  The remainder were either wanted for failing to appear at court or given fixed penalty notices for public order offences.

Officers also executed 21 search warrants across the area for drugs and stolen goods offences.

The unit, which consists of six officers, was launched in March.  Its aim is to drive down key offences such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime.

If an area is suffering from a spate of crime, or a particular issue, then the team will move in to offer additional support to officers on the ground as well as specialist knowledge on dealing with these crimes.

By having a team of expert officers, who are available to respond immediately to issues, it is hoped that emerging crime trends will be dealt with before they become a problem.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Middleton, Gary Hall, said: “In its first five weeks of operation the unit has already had major success by removing 45 criminals off the streets of Rochdale.

“The unit has recently been targeting the use and supply of drugs in Middleton.  As soon as information was provided, officers acted on it and moved in on offenders.

“The whole ethos of the unit is to respond to emerging problems quickly and nip them in the bud before they escalate.

“Results of the recent drug operation have shown members of the public and offenders exactly what the unit is capable of.  My message to those committing crime in the area is simple – you will not be able to for long.”

Police are appealing for anyone who has information about a crime to contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.  All calls are anonymous, and are not traced or recorded.