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All-action week putting focus on beating crime

Bethan Dorsett
30/ 3/2007

IT was hailed as an action-packed week, with several arrests, house raids, clean-ups and truancy sweeps carried out across the Kingsway area.

Launched by a host of agencies, including the police, fire service and council, the initiative is already thought to be a success.

The drive is a first of many for Rochdale's new Chief Superintendent Peter Mason, who wants to roll out similar schemes in other wards over the next year.

He said: "In Rochdale, we have been successful in reducing crime, but we must make sure that we do not lose focus.

"This week we have concentrated on drug issues along with other problems such as untaxed, uninsured cars and truancy.

"So far we have picked up 31 children who should be in school, executed three house warrants and arrested five people for various offences.

"The public reaction has been very positive, with up to 100 responses given from a door-to-door survey."

The week has also been productive for the fire service, which has visited 179 properties, many of which were fitted with free smoke alarms.

Fire Commander Dave Astley is also planning to recruit teenagers for 'Firefly,' a scheme hoping to get participants back on the straight and narrow by giving them insight into a firefighters' daily responsibilities.

"Only last weekend we had a fire involving a large building at Vine Court in Newbold," he said.

"We feel residents in this area could benefit from safety advice."

Other initatives include a safe plate scheme at Morrison's supermarket, where cars could be fitted with a special device to protect their number plates, along with the clearance of fly-tipping hotspots and a dog warden patrol.

Trading standards, the youth service, the Early Break drugs and alcohol outreach scheme and the probation services are among the agencies involved in the agencies.

Co-ordinator and community safety officer Yvonne Pickering said: "This week of action will make a significant difference in the Kingsway ward.

"It will be a regular occurance in other areas to make sure that we reach our target of reducing crime by 26 per cent by March 2008."

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