Police tackle anti-social behaviour in park

Police have responded to the concerns raised by residents and are tackling the issue of anti-social behaviour in Falinge Park.

Supported by residents living in the Falinge area, Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team will be addressing the issues about Falinge Park head on.

People living in the area have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the parks and surrounding area including criminal damage, youths congregating and drinking alcohol and have asked for them to be looked at through the Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings.

PACT members include the police, local housing authority, council, community representatives, businesses and other statutory agencies who hold regular meetings to solve problems and decide priorities for the police.

As a PACT priority it was decided that the initiative would be held to make the park a safe place for everyone to enjoy.

Inspector Stephen Clarke from Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a really negative effect on residents’ lives and it is an issue we take very seriously. While we encourage young people to take advantage of community facilities we would also ask that they be considerate to the others also using them.

“During the summer holidays there can be an unfortunate increase of anti-social behaviour. This is largely due to the warm weather, long nights and young people being out of school. However, I am confident that through the launch of our safe4summer campaign and that by working with other organisations and putting our officers in key areas we can have a positive impact on anti-social behaviour so that everybody can enjoy the summer.”

Throughout the holidays officers supported by youth services will carry out mobile patrols in the hotspot areas, conduct stop and accounts and will also talk to young people about the impact anti-social behaviour has on their community. Those found to be behaving unruly will have a letter sent to their parents, advising them of their children’s behavior.
Members of the council’s community safety team supported by police will usher young people to a range of activities they can take part in as part of the council’s summer programme.

For a timetable of events and venues log on to www.safe4summer.com

To report a crime contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.