Body cam crime fight

POLICE receive the bodycams from First Choice Homes. From left, PCSO Imran Ahmed, resident Harry Taylor, PC Damieon Pickles, residents Andy Gregori and Jessie Perrin, FCHO community safety officer Stephanie Booth and Sgt Danny Atherton

POLICE have a new hi-tech weapon in their crime and anti-social behaviour armoury, thanks to First Choice Homes Oldham.

The housing association has funded two body cameras to enable officers and PCSOs to record incidents and issues on duty in St Mary’s and Coldhurst.

Led by FCHO, the BGreen initiative with Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police aims to address environmental issues, and its BSafe arm has provided the cameras to help the team gain public trust.

“These cameras will help the police to help us to gather information and take direct tenancy action where necessary,” said Steph. “They will help us gain customer confidence and take a zero tolerance approach to issues and anti-social behaviour going on in these areas.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Danny Atherton said: “We’re working closely with First Choice Homes and the OL1 Community group to help make the St Mary’s and Coldhurst areas safer places.”