The month on the beat - with Rochdale Chief Superintendent

Chief Superintendent Peter Mason

The start of warmer weather normally brings with it an increase in 'sneak in' type burglaries, so members of the public need to ensure that they keep windows and doors locked when they are in the garden or other areas of the house. Research shows that one in three burglaries happen when doors and windows are left open or unlocked, even when you’re at home.

Most of the cars that are stolen in Rochdale are of the older type where it is possible to take them without the keys. We have seen a particular rise in thefts of the old style Nissan Micras, so if people own one of these cars they should consider fitting a secondary security device, such as a steering lock, alarm or immobiliser.

Rochdale Division recently played its part in the GMP drugs week of action, codenamed Operation Alligator. Seventeen premises were targeted through the enforcement of drugs warrants across the Borough, and all of the addresses were targeted as a result of information from local communities.

I would therefore appeal to anyone who has information on drug dealing, or any other crime, to call either 0161 872 5050, your local Neighbourhood Policing Team (numbers listed below) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Although the number of people being robbed on the street across the Borough is relatively low in comparison with some other areas of Greater Manchester, the warmer weather has seen more people being targeted while on the canal tow path in the Deeplish and Newbold areas.

Police patrols of these areas have been increased and arrests made, however I would urge people to be extra vigilant when on the tow path and avoid walking alone whenever possible.

For further information on preventing crime, please contact Crime Reduction Advisors Brian Farr on 0161 856 8478 or Jackie Dickinson on 0161 856 8475.

Neighbourhood Area Updates
Rochdale North (covering Norden, Healey, Bamford, Central, Town Centre and Spotland & Falinge)

A recent clampdown on the illegal use of off-road bikes in north Rochdale resulted in 44 vehicles being seized. A combination of motorbikes, quad bikes and 4x4 vehicles were confiscated under Operation Quad, which ran over the bank holiday and half-term period from 24 May to 1 June.

Police have also been targeting boy racer meetings, known as ‘car cruises’, on Rochdale Town Hall Car Park and Sandbrook Retail Park. As a result of Operation Galilee, which ran on Tuesday 20 May, one vehicle was seized and six formal warnings were issued for anti-social driving. In addition, police made two arrests for drink driving, one arrest for possession of cannabis and also issued three cautions for cannabis use and 11 non-endorsable fixed penalties.

Throughout June, officers will be running Operation Farne in Falinge to tackle the problem of burglaries caused by insecurities.

Rochdale South (covering Kingsway, Castleton, Milkstone & Deeplish and Balderstone & Kirkholt)

Operation Buchan will continue to run in Castleton. The initiative is a multi-partner approach to addressing the ongoing problem of anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related nuisance in the area, and will run until September

Operation Nimrod, which involves officers from GMP’s mounted unit, is running to tackle crime in Kirkholt, and Operation Cottesmore will address youth nuisance in Kingsway.

And finally
We need you to…
Tell us about your issues, who's responsible and where you feel we should be prioritising our resources.

We will be working closely with our partners to deal with the issues deemed a priority for the local community.

To let us know what you see as a priority in your area, please contact us on the following numbers or e-mail addresses, or attend one of the surgeries listed below.

Rochdale North – 0161 856 9961 / rochdalenorthpartnership@gmp.police.uk
Rochdale South – 0161 856 8549 / rochdalesouthpartnership@gmp.police.uk
Pennines – 0161 856 4556 / penninepartnership@gmp.police.uk

Upcoming surgeries

Rochdale South
Kirkholt Rochdale Borough Housing Drop-In Centre, The Strand, Kirkholt
Friday 13 June, 10am – 12noon

Castleton Community Centre
Wednesday 18 June, 6pm – 8pm