Police commissioner’s crime-fight roadshow

GREATER Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd brought his “policing roadshow” to Oldham to listen to public views on crime and GMP’s response to it.

The commissioner visited the town centre on the first day of his five-day visit to all 10 Greater Manchester districts. He was joined by Oldham council leader Jim McMahon, current Oldham police boss Chief Supt Tim Forber and its incoming chief, Supt Catherine Hankinson.

Mr Lloyd will use the responses to complete his police and crime plan, to be published at the end of March.

The draft plan sets out eight policing objectives for the next four years: driving down crime, a focus on victims, anti-social behaviour, protecting the vulnerable, dealing with terrorism, serious crime;civil emergencies, building confidence in police services and protecting the service itself.

Members of local Home Watch groups questioned Oldham’s two top police officers and Mr Lloyd over fears of fewer police officers on the streets in the future.

The draft priorities can be read in detail and responses given at www.gmpcc.org.uk/yoursay. Residents without internet access can contact the commissioner’s office on 0161-604 7711.