An initiative in Rochdale that started with a covert operation, which saw police track offenders who were intent on causing harm to local residents through the use of violence, exploitation and drug dealing is being hailed a success
Police launched a relentless pursuit against those committing crime on the Freehold estate with 11 warrants, 48 arrests, the seizure of large quantities of drugs, cash and weapons, securing three closure orders on nuisance properties linked to drugs, and engaging with 1000s of residents.
The next phase, and perhaps the most important of all, was working with the local community and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to find out exactly what the residents wanted from police ensure they feel safe and GMP worked with them to implement a policing patrol plan to make sure they were visible at all hours so that they could effectively and sustainably resolve the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour they were facing.
In November 2024, Police implemented an Open Space Closure Order Zone, the first of its kind in Greater Manchester Police, which prohibited non-residents from congregating in stairwells, on landings, bridges and near bin chutes, and within open spaces attached to properties – all the issues which our community said were affecting them the most.
As the closure order comes to an end,police have seen great success and received positive feedback from the community who have said ‘this is the best thing to happen around here in a long time’, ‘we definitely feel safer in the evenings’, ‘anti-social behaviour in general has decreased’, ‘thanks to you all for making Freehold a place to feel proud to live in again.’
Nationally, Operation Affect has been recognised for its tenacity and creative use of civil powers, injunctions, and robust partnership work to sustainably tackle embedded criminality by working with the community itself.
RBH have an ongoing programme of community activities, working with partner organisations including Culture Co-op and Rochdale Youth Service as well as GMP Rochdale. Upcoming events include DJ workshops, a hair masterclass, and winter community gatherings.
This week RBH organised a community clean-up day, working with Keep Britain Tidy and Rochdale Borough Council teams.
Design work continues for RBH’s investment plans, which would improve security and access to homes, create better refuse and recycling facilities, and improve the visual appearance of the area.
Inspector Meena Yasin, who has been driving this initiative, said: “This operation has very much been community focussed and is the product of hours of interaction with local residents and partners, and represents what they want from their police force.
“Throughout this operation we have spoken to residents who have been unable to sleep at night, who were scared to carry out everyday activities within their own homes as a result of anti-social behaviour and the criminal activity of a small number of individuals exploiting the neighbourhood.
“I’m proud we could make this commitment to the community and my team and I look forward to future investment and improvements in the area.”
Hayley Stockham, RBH Director of Neighbourhood Services, said: “We have a zero tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour, and I’m really proud of the work our team have done in Freehold alongside our partners in Greater Manchester Police. We have always said that we will only know we are making a difference when our customers tell us, and we know from talking to Freehold residents that this partnership work has already made a huge difference. We also know that this is just the first step – we will continue to work with the community here to make sure that Freehold is a place where everyone is proud to live and work.”
