Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide

CRACKING crime . . . from left, Sgt Gaynor Wardle, PC Nathan McLean and PCSO Dave Newall

Burglars, robbers and car thieves were given nowhere to hide as police cracked down on local crime.

The West Oldham Neighbourhood Policing Team stepped up patrols in Alexandra and Medlock Vale during a hard-hitting day of action after residents said they were sick of criminals blighting their area.

Operation Beyond saw officers make six arrests and recover three stolen vehicles as well as carrying out 47 stop and searches.

Sgt Gaynor Wardle said: “We listened to residents’ concerns at police surgeries and community meetings and also noticed a rise in the number of burglaries in that area so we decided to act fast and lock up as many criminals as possible.

“As part of our commitment to the Policing Pledge we have been listening to our communities concerns to make sure we address the issues that matter most to them, which is what this operation is all about.

“Operation Beyond has given us some great results including the arrest of an offender who was wanted for fraud, two for possession of cannabis with intent to supply and two individuals on suspicion of stealing a woman’s handbag earlier on in the day.

“We had a really good response from residents who said it was great to see the police out on the streets.

“They said our presence and action throughout the operation has helped them to feel safer in their own homes and in their area and that is what it’s all about.

“This is just the start of an ongoing operation to target known offenders and give reassurance to residents that we are working to make their neighbourhood safer. Our message to criminals is clear — you are being watched and we will be doing all we can to make sure you don’t cause any more misery for our residents.

“I also want to encourage more residents to come forward with information about crime and anti-social behaviour in their area, confident that we will act on that information.”

If you have a neighbourhood policing issue you can contact the Oldham West policing team on 0161-856 8927 or email oldhamwest.npt@gmp.police.uk