Crime crackdown in Middleton

Eleven people were arrested as part of a crime crackdown in Middleton.

Raids were carried out on six houses on Thursday 25 March 2010 during the operation, which targeted offenders suspected of being involved in drug dealing, drink-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

It involved 100 officers, including licensing officers, Police Community Support Officers, community crimefighters and neighbourhood watch coordinators.

Those in custody were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including possessing cannabis with intent to supply, assault and public order offences.

As part of the operation officers seized alcohol from under-age drinkers and two off-licences were closed.

The stores shut down were Sunny’s Store on Windermere Road and Zak’s on Hollin Lane for not having licences.

Police adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to people drinking in a public place, which is banned under local bye laws.

Officers from the Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team also patrolled the area and home visits were made to known offenders to ensure that they were complying with court and bail conditions.

Chief Inspector George Fawcett, of Rochdale Division, said: “Through this operation we have targeted the issues that concern residents the most which are drug dealing, alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour, burglary, car crime and theft.

”We have shown offenders that crime will not be tolerated in our town and reassured the people of Middleton that we have taken their concerns seriously and have targeted the people causing misery in their community.

”This sort of operation, as well as the day-to-day neighbourhood policing, is all geared to making our communities safer, more pleasant places to live, work and grow up in.”