Crime and grime blitz coming to Rochdale

Inspector Stephen Clarke of Rochdale North’s Neighbourhood Policing Team

Rochdale Town Centre and the Lower Falinge estate are going to be the focus of an intensive week long crime and grime blitz.

Police and Rochdale Borough Council, together with key local partners including the police will work together to reduce crime and disorder in the town centre and on the Falinge estate as well as cleaning-up the area.

Over 7 days, police and council enforcement officers will be part of operations designed to help catch criminals, deter crime and punish those who ignore the law.

The week of action that will take place 23-29 August 2010 will focus on tackling the issues pertinent to the town centre and Lower Falinge estate.

There’ll also be lots of opportunities for local people to get helpful and practical advice on many issues such as; crime prevention, health and wellbeing including alcohol and drug misuse, domestic abuse, victim support and much more.

Inspector Stephen Clarke of Rochdale North’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Expect to see more police officers on patrol in and around the town centre and Lower Falinge estate during the week of action. We’ll be on the look out to deter crime and as well as gathering vital intelligence that will help us catch and punish troublemakers and bring more offenders to justice.

“We’ll be tackling anti-social behaviour in the town centre head on during the summer holidays so that our visitors can enjoy their shopping experience.

“As part of our safe4summer campaign we’ll be working with the council’s youth service, encouraging any loitering youths to join their local youth club or take part in positive activities taking place in the borough.

“At night we’ll be working with our landlords and licensees to make sure they’re promoting safe and responsible drinking and maintaining public safety.”

Mark Reynolds, Rochdale’s Community Safety Officer at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “I’m confident we can make a big difference in a small space of time with all our partners’ action focussing on the town centre and Lower Falinge estate. Hopefully our crime and grime blitz will reassure local people that we’re committed to tackling the problems and the issues that matter to them most by working in partnership to achieve better results for everyone.”