Christmas crime falls

The Christmas period saw overall crime in Rochdale drop by 23%.

Rochdale’s initiative during the festive period, Operation Elf, targeted problems of burglary, robbery, theft from person, vehicle crime and violence in the town centre.

It resulted in 42 fewer crimes compared to the same period the previous year.

Launched on December 1, the operation saw officers walking through stores and offering reassurance to store management and security.

Inspector Lin Houldershaw for Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These reductions reflect the commitment and hard work our officers and staff put in to serving the people of our community during a very busy time of year. The Neighbourhood Policing Teams have also done some sterling work in reassuring both our businesses and residents.

“As a team we have also detected 88% of all crimes committed, which is great news. We hope this will reassure the public that their town is a safe place to be.”

During the initiative the police pod was located at the Butts in the town centre where shoppers were given home security and safety advice.

Pedal cycles, headcams and town link radios were also used by officers to detect and reduce crime.

High visibility patrols took place during the evenings and early-intervention tactics were used to reduce disorder in the town centre. Stop checks were made and fixed penalty notices were issued for disorderly behaviour.