Emergency services cut mill misbehaviour

KEEP away from Hartford Mill . . . from left, PCSOs Mike Quarmby, Jacqui Haslam, Peter Kiba, Sgt Simon Halliwell and PCSO Norman Dodd

POLICE are warning would-be lawbreakers to stay away from Hartford Mill as they crack down on criminal activity surrounding the building.

Over the past month Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, the owners and Oldham Council have joined forces to stop criminal behaviour at the site - resulting in a 90 per cent decrease.

After its closure in 1992, the now derelict building has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, arson and fly tipping in recent years - prompting the authorities to take action.

The owners funded security to protect the building and secured the fences surrounding it while GMP patrols with Police Community Officers and the fire service bid to discourage and catch people attempting to trespass.

As well as stopping criminal activity, the deterrent has seen the force and the fire service's resources less stretched across the borough as they respond to fewer reports regarding the mill.

Sgt Simon Halliwell said: "There is anti-social behaviour, arson and fly-tipping here at the mill, there are kids who are coming here who shouldn't.

"This has been a group effort by the police, the fire service and the owners.

"The owners have supplied security and in conjunction with Oldham Council have repaired the fence and have put anti-vandal paint on the actual mill openings to stop people getting in.

"The police and fire service have been doing patrols and this has resulted in a 90 per cent decrease in reports to the mill."

Sgt Halliwell said: "The mill was really problematic, kids try to go in and the building is unsafe."

Sgt Simon Halliwell warned people attempting to venture onto the site that they would be prosecuted.