GMP Rochdale launch dedicated traffic operation initiative

Throughout the pandemic, GMP Rochdale have been listening to community concerns and working tirelessly to minimise speeding and inappropriate use of vehicles on local roads.

Despite this, concerns have continued to be raised which has led to consultations with local residents, partner agencies and key stakeholders.

As a result of these consultations and listening to concerns, the district neighbourhood policing teams have set up Operation Navigator - a dedicated traffic operation focusing on speeding, anti-social driving, recovering stolen vehicles and prosecuting uninsured/ disqualified drivers.

Over the coming months, residents will see an increase in the amount of traffic initiatives across the borough with neighbourhood officers working with different teams from across the force to make communities a safer place to be.

Chief Inspector Danny Atherton who is leading the operation, said: "We appreciate how much of a concern these issues are to our local residents and whilst our dedicated operation only just started, my team have already seized seven vehicles which we believe were either stolen or involved in criminality including one that had been involved in a catalytic converter theft within our borough.

"We would like local residents to get involved in this operation and more information on how to get involved will be released soon.

"As well as tackling stolen cars and uninsured drivers, we will be incorporating all traffic issues into our daily basis and I make a commitment to our communities that we will ensure any vehicles that are stolen are forensically recovered as fast as possible.

"We'd like to thank the majority of drivers who do use our roads safely however our message is clear to those who don't - if you break the law, putting our communities at risk - we will stop you and bringing you to justice."