Crime and grime to be tackled in Heywood town centre

Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership is set to tackle crime and grime in Heywood town centre and the Angel Meadows estate in a day of action on 7 February 2014.

Throughout the day, teams from the council, police, housing associations alongside community and volunteer groups, will be working together to combat issues such as; bin fires, fly-tipping and rubbish, tenancy breaches, underage drinking and antisocial behaviour. Police and community safety officers will also be talking to residents to gather intelligence on crimes that are concerning them and also providing lots of practical security and safety advice.

Councillor Sultan Ali, cabinet member for strengthening communities at Rochdale Borough Council, said:

“The day of action will be a two-way process – us giving out information but also a chance for local people to report issues in confidence. It’s time for action and that’s exactly what the Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership is here to do.”

Safe plating will be on offer at Morrison’s car park 10am-3pm, and the youth service’s ‘where it’s at’ bus will be out late in the evening providing youngsters with a safe street presence. Licensing checks will also be carried out with Heywood town centre licensees to make sure they’re selling alcohol in a safe and responsible manner and fulfilling their legal responsibilities to minimise drunken and rowdy behaviour. Residents will be able to speak with Heywood’s beat officers face to face, with any issues between 8am and 1:30pm at St Joseph's Church, Mary Street Heywood.

Followers of the @saferrochdale twitter feed will receive live updates throughout the day of action and will have the opportunity to put their questions to the Partnership.

Chief Inspector for partnerships, John Taylor, of Rochdale’s Division, added:

"We’re keen to listen to any ideas residents may have to help make the area safer and cleaner. There’ll be lots of law enforcement officers out on the day, please come and speak to us. Get some practical safety tips for you, your family, even your business. We really want to focus on tackling the issues that concern you most."

Police and council enforcement officers will be part of operations on the day designed to help catch criminals, deter crime and punish those who ignore the law.

Any person who has concerns can contact the police non-emergency number on 101. Or report crimes anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.