Youth crime crackdown in Spotland

Date published: 21/08/2007

Youths responsible for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the Spotland area of Rochdale are being targeted by police.

As part of Operation Flashback, officers are focusing particularly on the Greave Estate to tackle the growing number of criminal damage incidents that have happened there in recent months.

Offences have mainly consisted of damage to motor vehicles and windows being broken with stones and bricks during the night and at weekends.

Police are also concerned about an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.

Incidents are occuring throughout the week, with a noticeable increase during the lunch hour when many local youths from Oulder Hill Community School congregate across the estate.

To tackle the problem, officers from the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team are working with partners including the Community Safety Unit, Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Youth Services and Rochdale Federation of Tenants amp; Residents Associations.

Officers will patrol the Greave Estate at peak times to reassure residents, gather intelligence on offenders and encourage vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to report incidents in confidence.

Inspector James Troisi of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Wherever we see evidence of anti-social behaviour we will intervene, as law-abiding residents are having their quality of life ruined by mindless individuals.

"We will use all resources to deal with them, and special constables will patrol the Greave Estate during evenings and at weekends in addition to regular officers. The off-road bike unit will also be seizing mini-motos where they are ridden illegally."

To report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage, call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.