Police tackle crime and disorderly behaviour this Christmas

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Rochdale Division; Lin Houldershaw for Rochdale North

Police across Rochdale will be cracking down on crime and disorderly behaviour over the Christmas period.

Operation Elf was launched on 1 December to reduce purse theft, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour across the borough during the festive season.

The operation will continue into the New Year and will see officers walking through stores and shops in town centres in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale and offering reassurance to store management and security.

Chief Inspector James Troisi for the Rochdale Division, said: “Our officers won’t accept any unacceptable behaviour and will take the appropriate action required Rochdale town centre a safe place for everyone. The festive period should be a time when everyone can enjoy themselves and really get into the spirit of the holiday which is why we won’t tolerate anyone spoiling this for them.”

Police will also be using pedal cycles, headcams and town link radios to detect and reduce crime.

A police pod will be located at the Butts in Rochdale town centre to give shoppers the chance to chat with officers about home security and staying safe over the holidays.

During the evening officers will undertake high visibility patrols and use early-intervention tactics to reduce disorder in the town centres including stop checks and issuing fixed penalty notices for disorderly behaviour and confiscating opened bottles and cans of alcohol as well as arresting offenders. There will also be increased high visibility and plain clothed patrols in the town centre during the festive period.

Officers will also issue direction to leave notices to anyone over 16 who is likely to create alcohol-related disorder. Under this power the offenders are given a form instructing them to leave the area and warning them that they are not permitted to return for 24 hours or will face arrest.

The Borough’s CCTV network will also be used by police to help them manage outbreaks of disorder and additionally they will work with door-staff at bars and clubs in the town centre to ensure a safe environment for night time revellers.

If you have a local policing issue, contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team:

Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Norden, Healey, Bamford, Central, Town Centre, Spotland and Falinge on 0161 856 9961 / rochdalenorthpartnership@gmp.police.uk

Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Kingsway, Castleton, Milkstone and Deeplish, Balderstone and Kirkholt on 0161 856 8549 / rochdalesouthpartnship@gmp.police.uk

Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team covering North, South, East and West Middleton on 0161 856 8701 / middletonpartnership@gmp.police.uk

Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Hopwood Hall, West and North Heywood on 0161 856 8589 / heywoodpartnership@gmp.police.uk

Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Littleborough Lakeside, Wardle and West Littleborough, Smallbridge and Firgrove and Milnrow and Newhey on 0161 856 4556 / pennineparnership@gmp.police.uk

Only call 999 in an emergency or where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit gmp.police.uk.