‘Bobbies’ make start tackling crime in area
ONE of Rochdale’s new neighbourhood policing teams have now updated residents on their progress tackling issues blighting the area.
A month ago, every resident in Rochdale was assigned their own police officer to their own ward, as GMP moved back to a local ‘bobby’ style of policing.
Now PC Jones and PC Chadwick of Kingsway have identified problems in their area - and come up with plans to tackle them.
Earlier this year, they set goals of reducing antisocial behaviour, improving community relations, and increasing public confidence.
Posting on social media, PC Chadwick said: “With regards to reducing antisocial behaviour I believe it’s a must that we work with partners to achieve this.
“There is often a bigger picture then just ‘kids smoking weed’ or ‘youths throwing stones’, and because of this I think it’s imperative that we work with partners to focus on prevention, and to reduce these occurrences.” He identified hotspots as the Newbold Estate, in particular Clara Gorton Court, Ethel Court and Clement Court.
He said: “In order to address these issues we have been working closely with Guinness Trust and partners at the place team Rochdale - the place team assist police in target hardening and supporting vulnerable people.
“Due to this work we have been able to gather information and intelligence and carried out three warrants of which has led to seven people being summoned to court for numerous offences.
“We have also carried out 17 stop searches in the area between myself and PC Jones.
“This has led to two males being arrested for possession with intent to supply class B drugs - I can’t update you any further on this as this is still a live investigation.
“A number of other positive stop searches have been dealt with by out of court disposals.
“Using this information we will now look at alternative enforcement with partners.
“This will involve using powers under the antisocial behaviour act and designated powers that have been provided to housing.
“This could lead to those responsible for causing anti-social behaviour and crime within the area being evicted.”
PC Chadwick said residents are particularly concerned about theft and speeding issues, and the policing team are working with Neighbourhood Task Force which has cut burglary by more than half in the area. He has also received training on the use of a speed gun and now plans to carry out traffic operations throughout Kingsway.
It is also hoped that drop-in police surgeries which are covid secure,will be launched in the coming months.
He added: “I believe we are seeing a difference in the area. Sustained improvement will take time, but I hope you can all feel a difference as well and we will continue our work.”