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Andy could cop award for drugs crackdown

Bethan Dorsett
12/ 2/2008

ROCHDALE’S top policeman is hoping a hard-working bobby instrumental in a clampdown against prostitution and drugs will receive an award.

Sergeant Andy Pilling has been nominated for a police award for his tireless efforts, not only to drive street workers and kerb-crawlers off the streets of Milkstone and Deeplish, but also prevent vigilante action.

Chief Superintendent Peter Mason said the south Rochdale officer was an ideal candidate for the Chief Constable’s Award for Community Focus, a trophy supported by our sister publication, the Manchester Evening News.

He said: "I am very proud that Andrew has made it into the top five candidates for this prestigious award.

"The work done by his team has been commendable and has met the needs of the community."

Sergeant Pilling was among the officers who sprung into action more than two years ago after witnessing the frustration of residents first hand.

Having dealt with numerous complaints from householders and watched dozens of people hold a street protest against prostitution, the police launched a name-and-shame campaign against kerb-crawlers which has so far led to the prosecution of more than 100 men.

While he says he’s not naive enough to suggest police will ever be able to completely get rid of what is often described as the oldest occupation in the world, Sgt Pilling says the common sense approach and dedication of his team has worked wonders.

And he’s keen to point out that they’ve mounted the series of operations against kerb crawlers in the red light districts while also keeping on top of the other problems suffered in the area, such as youth nuisance, drugs and criminal damage.

He said: "More than anything else I want to stress that this is a team effort and the work we have done on this issue is just one element of our work in this area.

"I have co-ordinated what has happened, but there is a great deal of expertise among the people in the team we have here that makes this work."

Much of this work has involved helping to calm tensions by explaining to residents why the women were involved in prostitution, while regular patrols had helped yield information that had resulted in action against drug dealers as well as kerb-crawlers.

Meetings with the community and local mosques about the issue of prostitution also helped persuade people not to take to the streets to tackle the problem themselves.

Meanwhile, he said a lot of work had been done to clean up Broadfield Park which had been used as a hang-out for drinkers.

He said: "We have had some very positive feedback.

"It is all about communication."

Inspector Nadeem Mir, who nominated Sgt Pilling, said: "He has worked within this community for several years and has forged links with local community groups with a view to gaining an understanding of the crime issues affecting their quality of life."

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