Community help crack crime

Members of the police with members of the community

Police in Rochdale have been consulting the community to tackle their concerns.

A group of people, representing the diverse cultures and faiths across south Rochdale met their local officers and discussed local issues.

The Rochdale south Key Individual Network (KIN) day at Castlemere Community Centre, Tweedale Street, Rochdale was set up by Sergeant Shoheb Chowdhury of the Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT). It was an opportunity for voluntary representatives from the area to discuss policing issues, such as antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and drugs.

The members provide an invaluable link between the communities of the area and the police. They bring personal experience and knowledge about the communities they are living and working in and work with the police to help make a difference to the areas affected by crime.

The group started the day with a presentation by the NPT who introduced themselves and discussed the area priorities that had been identified by the community. The team then informed the group about the various initiatives in place to address the concerns.

Sergeant Shoheb Chowdhury for Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The day was a useful opportunity for the group to get a better understanding of policing in the area so that the wider community is better informed, and the police are better supported.

“It was a brilliant way of letting everyone know about the ongoing work of the team and what we hope to see in the future.
“This group is an integral part of helping us to improve the way that we communicate and provides valuable advice to the policing teams. The group has enabled us to establish links with all communities across the area, as well as building confidence and trust in the police.

“Our new Service Promise outlines our commitment to listen to and act on people’s concerns and work with them to make their neighbourhoods safer. It is really important therefore that people tell us what they think about the work officers are doing to keep them safe.”
KIN member, Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE, said: “I found the day very informative and I am thankful to all those who attended and contributed on the day. By working together we have been able to achieve success in tackling the issues that matter the most to the community such as drugs dealing, prostitution and antisocial behaviour.

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk