26 held as part of police blitz

A GREATER Manchester police operation saw 26 people in Oldham arrested in connection with assault and drugs offences.

Homes were raided as part of Friday’s Operation Portcullis, a 24-hour scheme by Greater Manchester Police aimed at tracking down criminals suspected of drink-fuelled violence.

In Oldham, 26 of those arrested during the blitz were for offences including assault, affray and drugs. A further four were arrested for immigration matters.

Officers in Oldham also spent the day working with the licensing trade to highlight the role they play in encouraging responsible drinking and ensuring their bars and clubs stick to licensing agreements. Eighteen premises were visited in Oldham town centre on Friday night to check for the use of illicit alcohol, resulting in three seizures.

The borough’s six neighbourhood policing teams also carried out test purchases in their areas with one fixed penalty notice.

Across Greater Manchester, 395 people were arrested, with two on suspicion of rape with 38 brought directly before the courts on Friday and Saturday.

Chief Supt Tim Forber said: “By working together with Oldham Council and the pubs and clubs, we have seen a reduction in alcohol-related violent crime.”

Police figures show incidents of violent crime in the town centre dropped by 48 per cent between April and December, 2009, compared with the year before, from 177 in 2008 to 129 last year.

Chief Supt Forber added: “This operation was a continuation of this success and our determination to ensure that the hundreds who come to Oldham on a Friday and Saturday night can have a good time without the fear of becoming a victim of crime.

“We are not here to stop people having fun but the message is clear that if you do go out, have too many drinks and get involved with violent crime then you will be brought to justice.”

The operation is being supported by Greater Manchester Police’s “Think Safe, Drink Safe” campaign to encourage sensible drinking.

To report crime call police on 0161-872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk.