The long arm of the law just got longer

ON the case . . . Inspector Willcocks, PC Alan Perkins and their new 20ft inflatable colleague.

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THE long arm of the law was hovering over Oldham yesterday when an inflatable 20ft cop joined the ranks of Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team.

In a bid to help deflate crime and anti-social behaviour, the inflatable officer joined the team at their first street surgery in Chadderton Precinct.

Insp Dave Willcocks said the aim of the new recruit was to encourage lunchtime shoppers to speak to the street surgery team, as well as give officers the chance to ask residents about community issues.

Insp Willcocks, from Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is the start of a new initiative to take police surgeries to the street.

“The team, along with the inflatable newcomer, will be moving around the neighbourhood to speak to as many residents as possible.

“We will also be setting up outside schools so we can talk to parents while they wait for their children.”

Anyone with a neighbourhood policing issue can call Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161-856 8825 or e-mail chadderton.npt@gmp.police.uk