Police turn spotlight on repeat offenders

CRIMINALS in Oldham who pose the greatest risk of reoffending are now under the spotlight thanks to a new initiative.

Spotlight Oldham brings together criminal-justice agencies to target up to 150 violent criminals, robbers, burglars and thieves who are most at risk of committing more crimes.

The scheme gives prolific offenders the chance to work with different agencies towards rehabilitation or face enforcement action if they refuse.

A total of 25 staff from organisations including Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Probation Trust, drug-treatment services and the youth-offending service, have joined the team to monitor and rehabilitate those most likely to commit serious violent crime or serious acquisitive crime, such as burglary, theft and robbery.

Speaking at the launch at Gallery Oldham on Friday, Chief Supt Tim Forber, head of Oldham police, said: “If we’re going to reduce crime and reoffending, we can’t carry on with the same structures of the past.

“Spotlight is a preventative approach but not a softly, softly approach. It is making offenders face up to their responsibilities and letting people know there are consequences if they don’t.”

The scheme was launched in Tameside in June last year, managing 197 prolific offenders. In the first 12 months, it resulted in a 37.1 per cent drop in reoffending and financial savings of £638,762.

Chief Supt Forber said: “Rehabilitating offenders is a key tool in reducing crime and I welcome this co-ordinated approach which will ultimately help make Oldham a safer place to live and work.”

Amy Poulson, integrated offender management implementation manager, said: “Spotlight builds on previous arrangements between probation, police, the local authority and drug agencies, among others, to create one team that draws upon all of the partner’ skills and areas of expertise.”

Reformed offender Mike Maddocks (44), from Ashton Road, Oldham, spent 30 years on drugs and had spells in prison before the probation service helped him clean up his act 18 months ago.

Now a volunteer peer educator, warning young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, he believes the Spotlight scheme will be successful.

He said: “Going through probation was a good thing for me. They sent me to the Alcohol and Drug Service and got me cooking meals at the Walkers Road community centre.

“Agencies were working together which is an example of what Spotlight are trying to do.”