Anti-social behaviour reduced

Police in Rochdale have reduced anti-social behaviour by 34 per cent following a summer crackdown.

Operation Quasar saw officers from neighbourhood policing teams across the Division increase patrols during the school holidays to put an end to any activity that makes life difficult for residents.

Officers made early visits to known hotspots that had been identified by the community. Groups of youths were warned about the consequences of their actions and alcohol was confiscated from underage drinkers. Parents were also notified about their children’s behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the borough visited licensed premises to remind staff of their responsibilities and a wide range of tactics were used including, stop and accounts, public order legislation and directions to leave an area. Directions to leave means that youths found causing a nuisance in the area are not permitted to return within 48 hours.

Superintendent Chris Hankinson for Rochdale Division said: “We don’t want youngsters to think that we are targeting them but at the same time it is important that residents of Rochdale of all ages are happy in the area they are living in.

“This operation has helped us in finding alternative activities for youths to take part during their break and as part Our Service Promise we will be feeding back to the community through surgeries, meetings and inputs at schools about the benefit it has been to the community.

“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."

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