Police patrols stepped up during half term

Police will be stepping up patrols during the half term break in an attempt to tackle anti-social behaviour.

In an initiative known as Operation Quasar, the neighbourhood policing teams across the Division will increase patrols to end any activity that makes life difficult for residents.

Early visits will be made to known ‘hotspots’ and groups of youths will be warned of the consequences of their actions. Working alongside the licensing officers the Neighbourhood Policing Teams will visit licensed premises to remind staff of their responsibilities and will use a wide range of enforcement tactics including, stop and accounts, public order legislation, fixed penalty notices and directions to leave an area.

Chief Inspector Nadeem Mir for Rochdale Division said: “We don’t want young people to feel like they are being targeted by this but at the same time it is important to remember the police’s role in making all residents happy about the area they are living in.

“Anti-social behaviour has a detrimental effect on the quality of people’s lives and we hope this operation will kerb potential increases during the holidays. We will be working with groups such as youth services to recommend alternative activities for youths to take part in during the week.

“As part of the Policing Pledge we will be feeding back the results of this initiative to the community through surgeries, meetings and inputs at schools.

“If anyone witnesses any criminal activity or anti-social behaviour taking place, I would ask them to report it to the police immediately, so we can act accordingly."