Car crime up — but fewer offences overall

POLICE in Hollinwood are to launch an initiative to tackle vehicle crime which has doubled over the past two months.

Thefts from vehicles have risen from 12 to 23 incidents in May and June — and 19 cars were stolen, up 11 from eight.

This is in contrast to crime in general which has been reducing.

Burglaries have dropped from 21 to 13 and robberies from four to two.

Reports of criminal damage have dropped from 78 to 58, and incidents of youths causing annoyance have fallen from 125 to 107.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Gary Skinner said: “There has been a downward trend in crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We will be starting an initiative to tackle vehicle crime next week.”

Residents raised concerns over youths smashing windows and graffiti.




Hollinwood Community Council wants to remain as an independent organisation and not be reunited with Failsworth.



Residents at yesterday’s meeting said they did not want to return to a joint Failsworth and Hollinwood Area Committee. But they did want to keep all 14 co-optees rather than reduce them to the suggested four, as well as have control over their budget.

Councillor Rod Blyth, Cabinet member for People and Communities, spoke to residents about plans to scrap community councils and replace them with area committees.

The vote was passed for Hollinwood staying on its own, maintaining 14 cooptees, reserving the right to allow verbal questions during public question time and maintain its subgroups.