Oldham edition of The Brief – October 2023

TACKLING DOMESTIC ABUSE IN OLDHAM

Welcome to the second edition of the Oldham Brief!

Firstly, we’d love your feedback on the first edition and how we move The Brief forward – it designed to be heavily focused on Oldham.

As summer comes to an end the darker mornings and nights await us, we’ll see staffing numbers improve as more student officers join GMP.

This will free up development opportunities for those no longer in their student officer phase. We’re looking to advertise these in a new District Orders document, not only will it reduce the number of emails you get but it should be a one-stop place for you to find policy changes and job opportunities etc.

Superintendent Richard Warden has moved to his new job at Nexus House and Superintendent Carl O’Brien has arrived from Spec Ops.

Carl started his career in GMP before moving to West Yorkshire for a few years, but has retuned to GMP and was successful in his application to work in Oldham. This gives us a bit of stability as we continue to improve as a district.

It’s been a busy old summer, with exceptional demand, the famous Saddleworth Rushcart and Cycling Tour of Britain in district showcasing the area to the world! All these events have been delivered seamlessly by you, at the same time as we’ve implemented the Response Review and a new District Operating Model - so it’s a massive thank you for your continued hard work.

For colleagues that have left us to join the Force Crime Management Unit, good luck. And for the new arrivals, welcome. For the rest of us it’s business as usual!

One final point… there are only 13 weeks until Christmas!

DA week of action results in 33 arrests

In September, officers across Oldham focused resources on tackling domestic abuse (DA) for another week of action, in a bid to arrest offenders, support victims and engage with the community.

Throughout the week, officers carried out several warrants in partnership with support organisations, carried out welfare visits and ran community engagement activities, including delivering inputs to local schools on healthy relationships and the importance of consent. Information stalls and drop-in sessions were also on offer at the Spindles Shopping Centre, encouraging the public to find out more information.

Chief Superintendent Phil Hutchinson said: "Over the past week, our local and specialised teams united to demonstrate our uncompromising stance against domestic abuse, vowing to address it decisively wherever it arises.

"Throughout Oldham, our officers collaborated with community partners and support services, intensifying domestic abuse awareness efforts for all residents and, most importantly, ensuring unwavering support and protection for victims and survivors.

"Officers across Oldham have remained committed to combatting domestic abuse and aiding victims and survivors of these crimes.

"We have also closely collaborated with partner organisations to deliver essential support and education, emphasising the significance of healthy relationships and consent. Our collective goal is to enhance the safety of our communities across Oldham.

"While this week has proven successful, our battle against domestic abuse does not end here. We are resolute in our determination to enhance our approach to domestic abuse, not only within Oldham but across Greater Manchester. We will always be here to support those affected by domestic violence and abuse.”

Total members - 1069 4.8% on previous month

Messages sent since March 2023 - 141

July engagement rating - 69.33%

August engagement rating - 76.69%

Chief Superintendent Phil Hutchinson

A trip down memory lane

The very first intake at Hough End returns

Over 45 years ago, in 1976, the centre at Hough End first opened its doors to the Greater Manchester Police mounted unit, where more than 40 horses were stabled.

The site was bustling with activity and provided guided tours for eager members of the public who wanted to see what went on behind the scenes.

Mounted officers would perform all the equestrian duties needed to take care of their steeds, including all mucking out, grooming and preparing for show days, on top of actively patrolling across all the communities in Greater Manchester.

It was a busy time, and the first three officers to lead the charge into this new era were Police Constables Steve Lee, John Dursley and David Hunt.

They arrived as fresh-faced mounted officers into the open arms of GMP, where they commenced their first 12-week course.

Back then, new recruits to the unit would be expected to complete the first course before going back to their district and then returning for a more advanced 12-week riding course. Very few who were in the branch left their roles, so they were highly coveted.

Fast forward to today and the three stooges returned to Hough End for a trip down memory lane, and they found that very little of the structural aspects have changed.

The unit has been drastically reduced though, and there are less than half the horses on-site than when the PCs were working there.

Plus, the canteen has vanished, which was duly noted by PC Dursley!

“There was great camaraderie during our time there, and we have fond memories from when we were there,” says PC Hurst.

“The stable block has changed slightly, to allow for more room for the horses to be stabled, and we never had grooms when we were around – we had to do it all ourselves.

“We all had a six-pack back then, whereas now we’re not anywhere near as fit.

“It was a hugely active role. When we arrived, the tradition was started to name all the horses after Charles Dickens characters, and there are many there today that have the same names as ours did.

“It’s great to see that tradition continuing.”

PC Hurst said: “It’s also great to see things like the original forge (where the farrier shoes the horses) still there, and it brings back lots of memories of working with the farrier.

“The farrier was a huge part of the team (and still is to this day) and was very protective of all the horses.

“I remember one instance where I brought over one of my horses, who had split his leg open and had a gaping wound.

“Well, I got hollered at and went away with ‘take more care of my horses’ ringing in my ears.

“You did everything you could for them, but it was also a lot of fun and everyone looked out for each other. It was a great place to be.”

PC Lee reminisced about the role of mounted officers back then.

He said: “There were mainly grey and bay coloured horses when we were there, and then the chestnuts started to appear.

“The main reason for this was them all needing to look fairly similar for when we did our displays, which were always a massive hit at the Manchester Show.

“It’s a shame they don’t take place anymore, as it was always a crowd pleaser that people would look forward to.

“Having a proactive public relations role was a huge part of our daily job, and we would often ride for 10 hours in the saddle across different districts.

“Football matches were our most common call out for duty, and instead of transporting the horses there in a lorry, we would ride them to the ground, escorting the fans on the way.”

September Search Month has just finished, with the focus having been on how officers conduct a search of a person, property or vehicle.

The Organisational Learning Hub wanted to highlight the issue, as the team are regularly made aware of instances of ineffective searches resulting in blades and firearms not being discovered – and therefore people being put in danger.

Several issues were raised during September to stress the importance of completing a thorough search.

Ineffective searches can lead to weapons not being found in the initial search, resulting in a dangerous situation for officers and detainees.

The risk is real. Only a few years ago, Metropolitan Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana was shot and killed in a custody suite by a weapon that was concealed by a detainee.

The aim of the month-long focus was to improve standards both on the streets and in custody.

The message to officers was, and remains, ‘if you take extra time, check all areas and follow the process, you can avoid a serious incident from occurring’.

It is also important to report any ‘near misses’ to Health and Safety. These are incidents which had the potential to cause injury to people or loss or damage to equipment or property.

Each near miss must be reported to H&S to help prevent future incidents from occurring and to keep people, equipment and property safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, our local policing lead, said: “The safety of our staff and the public is our number one priority, and completing a thorough search of a person is key to upholding that aim.

“Near miss incidents are a real threat to yourself and others, and we need to improve. They can put people in real danger.

“Effective searches not only reduce the risk of harm but also assist the force

in fighting, preventing and reducing crime by ensuring that evidence is recovered and forensic opportunities are maximised.”

Are you sure you have completed a thorough search?

The importance of a thorough search Enabling people to ‘Bee in the Loop’

More than 15,000 people have signed up to Bee in the Loop since our community messaging system went live in March.

Bee in the Loop gives the communities we serve the opportunity to choose what information they would like to know about, including crime and incidents in their local area.

It is also an invaluable investigative tool, enabling us to appeal for information or intelligence directly to the public to help us solve crimes.

All members of the force are encouraged to sign up to Bee in the Loop, whether they live in Greater Manchester or not. To do so, visit www.beeintheloop.co.uk/#SignUp

We currently have over 400 users trained up to send Bee in the Loop messages across our districts.

Thank you to everyone who has been actively using it to send messages to your communities and replying to people who have aired concerns.

Special thanks go to our top 10 users so far, who are:

• Andrew Hall

• Ryan Chadwick

• Mollie Gibson

• Claire Lucas

• Jonny Cross

• Phillip Jones

• Holly Douglas

• Matthew Honey

• Meena Yasin

• Gareth Edwards.

We would especially like to say a huge thank you to the team across Stockport, who over the past month have increased the number of members they have signed up by almost 30 per cent.

Almost 360 new members have signed up in Stockport, which is a fantastic achievement.

SPoCs continue to be sent business cards which can be given to members of the community during police surgeries, PACT meetings and out on patrol for them to sign up for Bee in the Loop.

We also have posters which can be displayed within community buildings.

With Bee in the Loop being a relatively new service, we are keen to get your feedback on it – what it is like to use, how communities are responding to it and if you have any suggestions on how it can be improved.

To provide feedback, or for support with content or requests for posters for communities, please get in touch with Georgia Holland via georgia.holland@ gmp.police.uk or Jess Allen-Millbank via Jessica.allen-millbank@gmp.police.uk

If you have any questions regarding access to Bee in the Loop, contact Rash Siddiquee via rashed.siddiquee@ gmp.police.uk

Remembering our fallen colleagues

Officers and staff members who died in the line of duty were remembered at the National Police Memorial Day event on Sunday 24 September.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods attended the ceremony at the New Theatre in Cardiff on behalf of GMP.

Police Constable Alan Ryder was selected as GMP’s standard bearer for the event as officers, staff and families from forces across the UK honoured fallen colleagues.

DCC Woods said: “The National Police Memorial is an important event to ensure that those who have made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered.

“Their self-sacrifice, bravery and dedication to duty, community and country should never be forgotten.”

PC Ryder added: “It was an honour to be GMP’s standard bearer for the ceremony.

“Being able to honour fallen officers and staff in that way was a privilege on what was an emotional day.”

The names of officers who lost their lives over the past year were read out at the event. They are:

• Sussex Police Sergeant Steven Creal, who died on 21 December 2022 at the age of 42

• Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary PCSO Daniel Gower, who died on 23 November 2022 at the age of 20

• Lancashire Constabulary PC Richard James Joseph Kemp, who died on 27 December 2022 at the age of 47

• Hertfordshire Constabulary PC Bruce Lister, who died on 30 January 2023 at the age of 57

• Northumbria Police PC Neil Pattinson, who died on 27 February 2023 at the age of 47

• West Mercia Police PC Andrew Boardman, who died on 11 April 2023 at the age of 43

• Dyfed Powys Police Inspector Gareth Earp, who died on 29 June 2023 at the age of 43

• Nottinghamshire Police Sergeant Graham Saville, who died on 29 August 2023 at the age of 46.

During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of those who have lost their lives across the UK.

The candles – one from each of the four nations of the UK – serve as a reminder of the undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those who were remembered during the service.

The newsletter for the event included ‘The Thin Blue Line’ poem, which was written by Elisabeth Carney-Haworth OBE in memory of GMP Inspector Raymond Codling, who was killed on duty on 14 September 1989.

Anyone needing help can get support from our staff support networks, Wellbeing Team and services and Force Chaplain Father Barry Lomax.

You can also call Health Assured on 0800 028 0199 or the GMP Federation Group Insurance Counselling Line on 0800 177 7894.

Chief hails major changes New District Operations teams and us become best performing force

Chief Constable Stephen Watson says that we are on a path to becoming the best performing force in the country after two major changes were implemented to improve the way we operate.

Our new District Operations teams – made up of Response and District Investigations Teams (DITs) – and the Force Crime Management Unit (FCMU) went live in the first week of September to enable us to better respond to the needs of the public, investigate all crimes and improve the standards of investigations and crime recording.

As part of these changes, the force has implemented important improvements to GMP’s crime management processes.

Extensive work has been done across the force to achieve these goals, both in the lead up to the implementation of the changes and since they went live last month.

CC Watson thanked all the teams and individuals for this work when he and Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor Kate Green visited the FCMU once it was up and running with all its teams in place.

He stated to the FCMU staff and the Response and DIT officers from across the force who attended the event that the changes which have been made are ‘hugely exciting’ for the future of GMP and will pave the way for the force to become ‘genuinely outstanding’.

“We’re going to be the best performing force in this country –that’s a realistic aspiration, and we’ll do it in the next couple of years,” CC Watson said during a speech he made at the FCMU, which is based at Unit A opposite FHQ.

“We’ll do it by taking these models and grasping the new insights that they throw up with an open mind, and by being grateful that we are seeing the opportunity to fix things.”

The Deputy Mayor added: “It’s great that these changes have been made to deliver a better service to people in Greater Manchester.

“To do something on the scale that this has been done, and to bring it in so smoothly, is a tremendous achievement. Congratulations to everybody, and thank you very much.”

As with all major changes, a few teething problems have been

encountered. These are being tackled head on, and those leading the new District Operations teams and FCMU are pleased with how the first month has gone and are convinced that the new ways of working will prove to be highly beneficial for both the force and the communities we serve once they are fully embedded and their teams are at full capacity.

Chief Superintendent Chris Goodman-Bowen, the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the District Operations teams, said: “Team GMP have rallied around and implemented this transformational change with a supportive can-do attitude.

“There have been a couple of bumps in the road, but with your continued feedback we will mould this model to deliver the best possible service for the communities of Greater Manchester.”

Detective Superintendent Natalie Dalby, who leads the FCMU teams based at Unit A, said: “We have welcomed over 200 police officers into the branch, and in spite of the significant changes for many in terms of their role, location and new teams, everyone has been really optimistic and engaged.

“We still have to refine our processes and align with wider force governance, but overall it has been a really positive start for us. Thank you much to everyone involved for all your hard work.”

changes made in September and FCMU to help in the country

DISTRICT OPERATIONS

District Operations, which is part of the development of a consistent wider District Operating Model, sees each district having both a dedicated Response Team to respond timely to incidents and a dedicated investigations team (DIT) to improve service and outcomes to victims of crime.

This change has been made to allow us to better focus on responding to incidents while providing care for victims.

FORCE CRIME MANAGEMENT UNIT

The new FCMU is a dedicated central function to consistently record, investigate and finalise crimes.

It has been formed to record more crime at the earliest opportunity; investigate more crime from a desk-based position, to reduce the overall investigative demand on the frontline and districts; improve levels of victim service; and apply consistent and correct outcomes to investigations.

The FCMU is made up of four distinct teams – the Initial Investigation Unit (IIU), Crime Finalisation and Incident Quality Assurance based at Unit A and the Crime Recording and Resolution Unit based at FHQ.

For more information about the two major changes, check out the ‘Force Crime Management Unit and Response Policing’ section of the intranet.

A view from someone working in the new FCMU

Initial Investigation Unit (IIU) Police Constable John Sharp has worked in the Force Crime Management Unit since it went live on Monday 4 September.

He is part of the new team at Unit A who are centrally dealing with the high volume of investigations that are not time critical, have no named suspect and no immediate risk.

PC Sharp (pictured above) was previously a member of the Bury District Investigation Team and was predominately dealing with prisoners, domestic abuse cases and court files.

He said: “Working in the FCMU is very different from my previous role.

“The team, including the supervision, have been very welcoming, and I am enjoying the job and can see how much it will benefit the whole force and the communities we serve moving forward.

“It makes sense for a central team to deal with the initial investigations of the large amount of low-risk crimes that have built up at GMP.

“We rightly have to follow all lines of enquiry for such crimes, which are predominantly criminal damage and theft cases.

“By us doing that centrally at Unit A before passing all the evidence we have gathered to the relevant district, it saves those districts a significant amount of time and resources.

“We have systems in place in the FCMU that enables us to obtain evidence in a quicker and more efficient way, and from speaking to victims of these low-risk crimes as part of our investigations it is clear that the new process is increasing the public’s confidence in policing at GMP.

“Many of the victims I have spoken to were not expecting follow up police contact.

“They are extremely grateful for the work we are doing to solve the crimes they have been subjected to, and when we are simply unable to do that due to a lack of evidence, they appreciate being told that by us over the phone.

“Managing expectations is a big part of an important job that will ensure GMP solves more crimes and brings more offenders to justice.”

GMP Museum welcomes more than 6,000 visitors

The GMP Museum was busier than ever over the school summer holidays, with more than 6,000 people visiting to learn all about policing in Greater Manchester.

The visitors could dress up in officers’ uniform, learn about infamous criminal masterminds across Greater Manchester and take part in a mock trial to determine whether the ‘Big Bad Wolf’ was guilty of blowing the three little pigs’ houses down. Museum Education and Engagement Officer Helen Mallinson said: “It has been lovely to see the museum so busy and full of families learning about policing and having lots of fun at the same time!”

Founded in 1981, the GMP Museum is situated in the middle of Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter.

The Grade II listed building used to be home to Newton Station Police Station, which opened in 1879.

Now, the building not only collects and preserves archive material and objects relating to the history of policing in the Greater Manchester area, it also acts as an important resource for community engagement – visitors can talk to the staff and volunteers about policing.

Following their visit, some people left reviews, with one stating ‘all volunteers made everybody welcome and had some great stories to tell’.

Another wrote: “Ohh we loved it! My five-year-old was sooo happy there. The court case was amazingly fun! I recommend it to everyone!”

The museum at 57A Newton Street, Manchester, is open every Tuesday.

It is also open on Thursdays during school holidays.

Webbs will continue to catch criminals after legend’s retirement

One of the longest serving members of the force retired on Friday 29 September – and his two children who followed him into the GMP family could not be more proud of him for the 47 years of service he has given.

Tony Webb joined the force as an officer in February 1976 and spent 26 of his initial 30 years’ service as a dog handler.

After retiring as a Police Constable in 2006, he rejoined GMP in the same year as an Enquiry Counter Officer based at Tameside, where he remained until his well-earned permanent retirement.

Tony’s two children, PCs Claire and Robert Webb, are the only siblings in our Tactical Firearms Unit.

And Tony’s late dad Roy Webb was also a long-standing member of GMP.

In fact, former Chief Inspector Roy was Tony’s boss when he worked at Oldham’s Q Division.

Claire and Robert, who both joined the force in 2006 and are pictured with Tony above, said: “We are extremely proud of Dad’s achievements and dedicated service to GMP.

“He is a role model and a legend in our eyes and in the eyes of his six grandchildren, who all endure his tales of woe from his policing career.

“They don’t make them like him anymore, but Mum should also get a mention for putting up with him and all

his dogs over the years, as they would retire as pets and, much to her dismay, come to live with us indoors.”

Tony, 66, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my 47 years in the force and would like to thank all my former colleagues for making the experience so special.

“I am very proud to be part of three generations of Webbs to have served GMP, and the family name at the force is being left in very good hands with my two beloved children.”

Tony’s final boss at GMP, Tameside Chief Inspector Claire Galt, said: “Tony is a legend and has served the community at Tameside for 47 years, which is amazing.

“I worked alongside Tony when he was a dog handler at Stalybridge and saw first-hand his dedication and commitment to policing and locking up those who commit crime on our district.

“I wish him a long and happy retirement, albeit he will be sorely missed!”

Tony was just 19 when he joined the force. After his two years’ probation, he did six months in CID at Oldham and then 18 months in plain clothes.

He joined the dog section in 1980 and went on to become one of the longest serving dog handlers in GMP’s history.

Tony covered some historic events as a dog handler, including the miners’ strikes in the 1980s, the Wigan,

Nottinghamshire, Moss Side and Oldham riots, the Strangeways Prison riot and the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Tony loved all his police dogs and achieved legendary status at GMP with the work he did with them.

His daughter Claire says: “After speaking with many dog handlers over the years and officers who Dad worked with on Oldham’s G Division, they remember him as an officer who would always back them up.

“They all say ‘we always knew that we would be okay when Webby turned up with his dog’.”

Wellbeing at Greater Manchester Police

New home for wellbeing

Many of you may have noticed that ‘Wellbeing’ has been added to the top banner of the intranet homepage.

This makes it easier for everyone to access the Wellbeing pages and the help and support that is available.

The Wellbeing pages have recently had a revamp, making them more user friendly and accessible for all.

All internal and external support is now easier to find and access, as is the new Wellbeing Strategy and details of the Wellbeing Calendar.

for the course, search for ‘Empowered Conversations, dementia’ on the internet.

WellFest Virtual Wellbeing Festival

Devon and Cornwall Police has opened its WellFest Virtual Wellbeing Festival up to GMP and all other forces across the country this year.

You can choose from more than 60 virtual sessions covering all areas of wellbeing.

Running from Monday 9 October to Friday 20 October, the festival includes a virtual trip to the zoo, talks on resilience and determination and live cookery classes, as well as dedicated sessions on the menopause on World Menopause Day (Wednesday 18 October).

Federation Maternity Open Day

The Greater Manchester Police Federation Maternity Open Day was held at Progress House in Stockport in September.

As always, the event was a big success.

If you have not taken the opportunity to attend one of these days, they are very informative, not just for officers and staff who are about to embark on maternity leave but for line managers too.

Wellbeing Volunteer Co-ordinator

Rhian Hurst (pictured above), who has recently returned to work after maternity leave, brought her son with her to the open day to help promote the wellbeing services available.

She also shared her experience of maternity leave at the event.

Empowered Conversations

There is a free course launching for family caregivers of people with dementia in Greater Manchester.

It aims to encourage people to have meaningful conversations around dementia and increase their confidence in how to do this.

The course also provides advice on self-care.

An hour-long Empowered Conversations introductory session will be held from 3pm on Thursday 5 October.

The course lasts for six weeks, with each of the main sessions taking place between 7pm and 9pm from Thursday 2 November.

For more information, or to sign up

Visit the Oscar Kilo website for details of how to register for any of the sessions being held over Microsoft Teams.

Awareness in October

October is National Cholesterol Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sunday 1 October also marks the start of Go Sober for October.

The month also sees a number of awareness days and weeks, including:

• Dyslexia Awareness Week:

Monday 2 October to Sunday

8 October

• Baby Loss Awareness Week:

Monday 9 October to Sunday

15 October

• World Menopause Day:

Wednesday 18 October

Supporting our armed forces community

The fourth Supporting Our Armed Forces Recognition Event was held at FHQ in September.

Hosted by Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, the strategic lead for GMP’s Armed Forces Network, the annual event shines a light on the work done nationally to support our armed forces.

It also reflects on GMP’s local involvement and celebrates those who have gone above and beyond to support the armed forces community and individual veterans.

The all-day event was attended by Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham, who thanked all the police forces that were represented for their continued armed forces support and stated that it is a ‘source of pride’ that GMP remains a Gold standard organisation as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

The afternoon saw recognition awards presented to key individuals within GMP’s Armed Forces Network.

The recognition awards and the winners were:

• Selfless Commitment (ensuring vulnerable veterans get support): Pauline MaCinnes and Police Constable Gary Manville.

• Creating and Delivering Veterans Crisis Training: Detective Sergeant Craig Morgan.

• Commitment to Raising Awareness and Support for our Veteran and Reservist Student Officers: Frank Rutter.

• Dedication to Supporting our Veterans and Reservists: Emma Richards.

• Going Above and Beyond: PC Warren Yates.

• Locating a High-Risk Missing Veteran at Risk of Suicide: PCs Ben Southern and Helen Barnes.

For more details and photographs of the event, check out the ‘Supporting our armed forces’ article on the intranet.

Operation Sherwood makes first arrest

Operation Sherwood, an investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Oldham, made its first arrest at the end of August 2023.

Following warrants at his home and business addresses, a 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual activity with a child, trafficking, and grooming. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Operation Sherwood is a multi-agency operation launched in 2022, following the publication of ‘The review into historic safeguarding practices in the borough of Oldham’.

Led by GMP’s Child Sexual

Exploitation Major Investigation Team (CSE MIT) – a resource dedicated to investigating the most serious and complex cases to ensure consistently high standards, it is reviewing the 11 cases which were studied and referenced by the independent team.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Jenny Zebrowski, of GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team, said: “We are really pleased to have made this arrest – it’s assurance that our investigation is very much active and progressing towards justice for victims and survivors.

“We understand that, from the outside looking in, it has taken us some time

to get to this stage.However, we have been moving forward steadily - at a speed and in a manner which is right for the victims and survivors. They are the heart of Operation Sherwood – they are supported by GMP, partner agencies, and specialist services and will be for as long as they need.

“We still have a long journey ahead of us but, learning from other non-recent CSE investigations, we are committed to taking a progressive victim-centred, suspect-focused, and evidence-based approach which gives us and our partners the best chance of securing positive judicial outcomes against offenders.”

Half a million pounds worth of cannabis seized in Oldham

Following intelligence received from the community, officers discovered an industrial-scale cannabis farm at an address on Rock Street in Oldham’s Town Centre on Wednesday 6 September 2023.

600 plants were found inside, with officers believing the grow to be worth an estimated street value of £500,000.

After further inspection of the address, two quails were also found. The two birds were seized by police and handed over to the RSPCA to be re-homed.

No arrests have been made, and enquires are ongoing at this stage.

Detective Inspector Nick Helme from the Oldham District Challenger team said: “Thanks to intelligence received from the public, we were able to act quickly, with the team managing to get into the address and recover a large amount of Class B drugs.

“Cannabis farms can be a substantial fire hazard with the amount of electricity that is being extracted to grow the plants. While we have nobody in custody for this crime, we are working hard to identify those responsible and once we manage to do that, they will be held accountable.

Our officers are working tirelessly to keep communities safe from harm by tackling those responsible for these farms.”

Neighbourhood Officers secure 59 years of Criminal Behaviour Orders

In Oldham, there are currently more than 59 years of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) in place that have been issued to individuals to limit their time spent in areas across the district and reduce crime in the area.

For one offender, an indefinite CBO was granted which placed restrictions on them until a further hearing. These CBOs have been obtained over the past year and are granted by a Magistrate after application by the police or council.

These CBOs have been specifically used to prevent reoccurring problems within the community, such as repeat shoplifting, antisocial behaviour and burglary.

The Oldham District currently have seventeen CBOs in place with four

further CBOs pending a court date.

Civil Orders are a powerful tool at the disposal of our officers, and it enables them to place further restrictions on those who offend in the community. Any person who breaches a Criminal Behaviour Order is proactively arrested and put before the courts.

GMP’s Oldham District Chief Inspector for Neighbourhood and Partnership, Abigail Cronin, said: “Utilising civil orders is one of the most powerful ways to tackle those who are repeatedly committing crime within in our community.”

“It is a criminal offence to breach the terms of a CBO and the repercussions for doing so are severe, with the maximum penalty being five years in

prison. We are proactively working with the council to effectively utilise civil orders across the district, and I am pleased to say that we have seen a significant reduction of offending in Oldham from those who are subject to an order.

“Officers from across the district are dedicated to reducing crime in our area and protecting the communities of Oldham.”

Heroic officers save local man’s life

A member of the public has visited two Neighbourhood Policing Officers to thank them for saving his life.

Mr Barton had a blockage in his airway and was struggling to breathe at a restaurant in Chadderton, Oldham, on Thursday 24 August 2023.

Oldham officers Jack Bennett and Lydia Holt were asked to help by a member of the public whilst they were on patrol in the restaurant’s car park.

After running into the restaurant, they found Mr Barton on the floor, unable to speak and struggling to breathe.

The team called for an ambulance and assessed the casualty, establishing that he had food stuck in his airway and required urgent first aid.

PC Holt subsequently carried out several back blows as PC Bennett removed the blockage.

Mr Barton was later able to explain to the officers that he had choked on his food before losing consciousness and falling onto the floor.

He was transported to hospital in an ambulance to be assessed before being allowed home, and has now made a full recovery.

On Monday 4 September, he paid a visit to Oldham Police Station alongside his wife to personally say thank you for

the swift actions and emergency first aid which saved his life. The officers were both happy to see Mr Barton looking so well and smiling.

Oldham Chief Inspector Abi Cronin said: “I would like to thank Mr Barton for taking the time to visit the officers.

“PCs Jack Bennett and Lydia Holt acted without hesitation during the incident and took control of the situation that they were faced with.

“The officers’ actions have resulted in Mr Barton’s full recovery, and I wish him all the best in the future.”