We’re on your case

Nowhere to hide... Sgt Rob Howarth and his Neighbourhood Priority Team are locking up more than one suspect a day

THESE bobbies are locking up the more than one person a day as they tackle drugs, gangs and anti-social behaviour in Oldham.

Since January dedicated officers from the Neighbourhood Priority Team have arrested 327 suspected drug dealers, arsonists, prostitutes, thugs and burglars — an average of more than one arrest per day.

They also seized drugs with an estimated street value of £571,000, took 91 vehicles off the streets, executed 79 warrants, handed out 69 cannabis warnings and recovered more than £16,000 in cash.

They have also confiscated weapons, including a knuckleduster.

The seven-strong team includes a Special Constable and is headed by Sgt Rob Howarth.

They support neighbourhood police teams tackling problems in Oldham East and West.

Officers have also joined forces with Oldham Council, Community Safety Services, housing providers and other community and voluntary groups.

Sgt Howarth said: “Drug dealing, gang-related crime and anti-social behaviour are the main issues residents want us to tackle.

“I hope that these results reassure our communities that we are dedicated to addressing their priority concerns, and also send a stark warning to offenders that we are determined to get them off Oldham’s streets and make life safer for our residents.

“I’d also like to thank the public for helping us crackdown on the criminals who are blighting our communities.

“Please continue to come forward with information.”




YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

:: Oldham West (Werneth, Alexandra, Medlock Vale and Coldhurst), 0161-856 8927 or oldhamwest.npt@gmp.police.uk

:: Oldham East (St Mary’s, St James’ and Waterhead), 0161-856 9028 or oldhameast.npt@gmp.police.uk

:: Failsworth and Hollinwood (Failsworth East, Failsworth West, Hollinwood and Limeside), 0161-856 8914 or failsworthandhollinwood.npt@gmp.police.uk  

:: Royton and Shaw (Royton North, Royton South, Crompton and Shaw), 0161-856 8983 or roytonandshaw.npt@gmp.police.uk

:: Chadderton (covering Chadderton North, Chadderton South and Chadderton Central), 0161-856 8825 or chadderton.npt@gmp.police.uk

:: Saddleworth and Lees (Saddleworth North, Saddleworth South and Saddleworth West and Lees), 0161-856 4524 or saddleworthandlees.npt@gmp.police.uk  

:: Oldham Town Centre, 0161-856 8903 or oldhamtowncentre.npt@gmp.police.uk  

:: To report crime call police on 0161-872 5050 or call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.