Security arches to thwart thugs

Town centre revellers will be going underneath the arches tomorrow night to make Oldham a safer place to party.

Safety arches will be used in Yorkshire Street to catch people carrying weapons on nights out, and extra officers will be on patrol to deter troublemakers.

The initiative is part of Operation Portcullis, which has already led to 26 people being arrested in Oldham in February as officers raided homes across the borough, tracking down criminals suspected of drink-fuelled violence. Tomorrow’s initiative aims to make Oldham safer for the hundreds of people who come to the town for a night out.

Chief Insp Rob Tinsley said: “We have come a long way over the last 12 months in making Oldham town centre a safer place, resulting in a considerable drop in alcohol-related crime.

“We also have the support of the pubs and clubs in realising the role they play in encouraging responsible drinking and ensuring their premises are adhering to licensing agreements.

“We are also sending a powerful message to those who visit the town centre with the sole aim of causing trouble that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

“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. If you do see trouble, then walk away.”

Police say incidents of violent crime in the town centre dropped by 27 per cent between April and December, 2009, compared with the year before, meaning 48 fewer victims.