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Police declare war on street yobs

Damon Wilkinson
21/ 3/2008

POLICE declared war on the yobs on Wednesday during a major crackdown on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Falinge, Wardleworth and Kirkholt.

Twenty seven were arrested and more than 50 cars were seized, along with quantities of amphetamines and cannabis.

Police say another 100 people were questioned or searched during Operation Slingshot.

More than 50 specialist officers were drafted into the three areas in an attempt to stamp out the problems that have plagued local residents.

Police also set up roadside checks on Queensway, St Mary’s Gate and Mellor Street searching for drivers without insurance or tax.

The operation was part of a drive across Greater Manchester to curb the rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Inspector David Shepherd said the operation was a major success.

He added: "It appears to be low-level type of crime, but these are the type of things that can really affect the lives of the people who have to put up with it.

"And a lot of people involved in this type of crime also commit other more serious crimes such as robbery and burglary.

"We are not saying we are going to completely eradicate the problem but this operation was about showing that we can respond to the complaints and about showing the criminals that if you are carrying out these offences you will be caught."

And Insp Shepherd also urged residents to do their bit to catch the criminals.

He said: "I am a local resident and I know there are a lot of good people in these areas and it is time for them to stand up and do something about it.

"If you know the name of someone causing trouble let us know about it because if we have enough information we can build up a picture and take action."

Meanwhile, police plan to keep up the pressure with another two weeks of action.

Operation Cockle is set to be launched this weekend, targeting anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Falinge, Wardleworth, Healey, Syke and Spotland.

Patrols will be stepped up throughout the Easter holidays and a mobile ‘police pod’ will tour the areas with officers giving advice and speaking to residents about the problems they face.

Roadside checks will be carried out, mounted officers will be on hand and motorcycle officers will also be on Rooley Moor targeting illegal off-road bikers.

Inspector James Troisi said: "Over the last few months Rochdale has been one of the biggest contributors to criminal damage figures in Greater Manchester so we are being proactive in trying to tackle the problem.

"And because of the school holidays we anticipate a rise in these types of offences.

"It is about making people feel safe in their community and I have no doubt that we will find lots of offenders and I am hoping it will have an impact.

"We have some known offenders that we will be taking a close look at and we will also be working with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to target any problem tenants."

Anyone with information is asked Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Rochdale North police team on 0161 872 5050.


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(4)


Most recent 2 of 4 user comments

   Splendid effort - lets see more proactive police work - lets take the fight to the scum - high profile police work in kirkholt will turn the tide - well done GMP.
Troy, Kirkholt
25/03/2008 at 22:32
   The other side to the good work by police is that this is of little value unless the courts impose deterrent sentences. A simple rule which could be understood from an early age would be the three offences and you're locked up approach. Contrary to often reported views, prison is in fact remarkably cheap and good value for money when balanced against the misery and cost to the public and police of constantly apprehending criminals only to have them given community sentences where only a proportion of their continuing offences are likely to be detected.

Numerous cautions and counselling give the green light to bad behaviour.
Donald, manchester
22/03/2008 at 08:58
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