Patrol teams cut yob behaviour

INCREASED police patrols over half-term gave anti-social behaviour the boot.

Between May 28 and Sunday there was an 8.4 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour across Oldham compared with the same period last year — equating to 64 fewer victims.

Officers from the Oldham East Neighbourhood Policing Teams increased patrols, targeted hotspot areas and encouraged young people to get involved in the number of activities organised by Oldham Council’s Go Oldham programme.

Alcohol was seized from under-age drinkers and two people were arrested for public order offences in Stoneleigh Park.

Insp Melita Worswick, from Oldham East and Oldham Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority concern for our residents.

“As part of our commitment to delivering the Policing Pledge we are listening to those concerns, ensuring we tackle the issues that matter most to our community.

“We know that tackling anti-social behaviour is not just about moving groups of young people on, which is why we have been encouraging young people to get involved in sports and other activities that have been put in place across the neighbourhood.”

In Royton and Shaw, dozens of young people have enjoyed football sessions with officers and youth workers at Royton and Crompton School on Friday evenings.

Insp Karen Taylor, of the Royton and Shaw Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have already had some great feedback from the young people about how much they’re enjoying the football sessions.

“The number attending goes up and up each week, which shows that many youngsters would much rather get involved with something constructive and not waste their time kicking their heels on a street corner.”

Officers also increased patrols in key areas, spoke to young people about the consequences of their behaviour and sent letters home to parents.

Following an increase in anti-social behaviour in Victoria Gardens, Shaw, officers have arranged for screening to be installed to prevent the culprits from gaining access.

Insp Taylor added: “Victoria Gardens had become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, with young people gathering and drinking alcohol. And we know from speaking to residents and the reports we’ve had, that this is a priority issue for the community and is one that we have been committed to tackling.

“Since the installation of the screening, we haven’t had any more reports of anti-social behaviour but we will continue to step up patrols.

“Graffiti in Royton Park is another issue raised by the community, so I’m pleased to report that we have identified the culprits.”