Agenda item

PACT Meeting - Greater Manchester Police

Minutes:

Crime statistics for the ward (since last forum in March)

 

Anti-social behaviour

27

Criminal damage

23

Burglary dwelling

26

Theft from motor vehicle

8

Theft of motor vehicle

5

 

PACT priorities
ASB issues in Balderstone Park
Drug dealing
Burglaries

Anti-social behaviour
GMP discussed recent incidents involving children throwing stones from Balderstone Park and also wheelie bins being set on fire.  The Council’s Community Safety Officer stated they were working closely with GMP and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to tackle this issue.  GMP are liaising with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue on increasing patrols and visiting children in schools.

The annual ‘Safe for Summer’ event organisers will meet on 30 May 2019 for this borough wide project.  GMP has secured funding from monies previously seized under the proceeds of crime act which they intend to spend on activities involving children in the ward.

Speeding
‘Operation Considerate’ – a speeding operation carried out by GMP, was commenced in the area but had to be abandoned due to Officers from the Traffic Unit being called away to deal with other priorities.  This initiative will be organised again to check and seize offending vehicles for speeding and related offences regarding their vehicles.

The results of the recent speed survey carried out at nine locations across the wards of Balderstone & Kirkholt and Kingsway showed that the majority of drivers are abiding by the speed limits and only a handful of ‘rogue’ drivers do not.

GMP Officers intend to acquire the relevant kit and training used by the Traffic Officers in order to use the ANPR (advanced number plate recognition) in order to catch offending vehicles.

Burglaries
GMP had received several complaints of burglary recently from concerned residents from the new estate Apple Tree Way, off Broad Lane.  Criminals from out of the area can often target one specific housing estate in an evening, and then the next night completely move elsewhere in order to evade detection from the Police.  These types of criminals are thought to be using vulnerable youths from the area in order to commit such crimes.  GMP have set up a unit to prevent this situation from happening with early intervention for children and youths who may be vulnerable and have safe-guarding issues.  Burglaries are classed as priority by GMP due to the effect on the local residents and community.

Catalytic converter theft
A recent spate of thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles has occurred in the area due to the components being worth a high scrap value.  The Honda ‘Jazz’ model (in particular years 2004-2009) is the main target and residents are being asked to be vigilant.

Graffiti
Recent graffiti in the ward was discussed with residents and also the Council’s Community Co-ordinator attending the forum.  Advice was given that although it was deemed a political statement, no obvious connections could be made with the area and it was therefore seen as an isolated incident.  It was noted that there was still evidence of the graffiti on the notice board in Balderstone Park.
Action 2: Townships to ask the Environmental Management Department to remove the graffiti

Community Co-ordinator
The Council’s Community Co-ordinator attended the forum to speak about his role of supporting and bringing together local community groups to maintain cohesion and build resilience to avoid hate crime and extremism.