GMP Rochdale’s district commander meets local residents in bid to fight, prevent and reduce crime in their neighbourhood

On Wednesday 31 August 2022, members of the community came together with GMP’s Rochdale and the local council members to discuss their concerns about the Alkrington and Langley areas of Middleton.

Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter from GMP’s Rochdale division led the meeting along with local councillors from Rochdale Council. The meeting was arranged by GMP and the local authority to allow local residents to take part in an open dialogue to voice their concerns about where they live.

Residents from the local area expressed their concerns about the areas rising anti-social behaviour, crime, and fears for their safety in their communities. A recent article in the press labelled the Alkrington estate 'one of the worst in Greater Manchester'. Concerns were raised regarding the declining image of the area, giving a negative image for the residents of the estate.

We listened to the residents of the community and councillors concerns and ideas for the future. In the coming weeks, GMP Rochdale is set to act on rising crime in the Alkrington Estate, addressing the lack of youth facilities for the people of the estate and make the community feel safer where they live.

Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter said “We attended the meeting to speak to members of the community to listen to all their concerns and discuss how we can work together to improve the community.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear those members of the community in the Alkrington and Langley areas feel this way about where they live and I understand their concerns about how their community looks in the eyes of the media.

“We recognise that some members of the community are frustrated with the police or feel like they cannot approach the police out of fear for themselves or their families and neighbours.

“We need members of the local community to report crimes, to tell the police and the local council about areas where they feel are unsafe and to voice their opinions and that’s when we can start to see a real change.

“We are working day in and out to ensure we keep our communities safe and want justice for everyone, but we cannot do this without your help.

“GMP Rochdale’s division are committed to working with partners, the local authorities, and charities to tackle the issues raised in today’s meeting and make Middleton an area that people feel safe and are proud to live in. We will continue to work with the local community and partners over the coming weeks to tackle these issues and hopefully see a real change.

How to report a crime

If you want to report a crime or any concerns for your community, please contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or use our reporting function via our website www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

You can also report a crime or intelligence anonymously through an independent charity called Crimestoppers.

You can contact Crimestoppers by phone and online, 24/7 and 365 days a year and it is not linked to the Police. After receiving your call or a completed anonymous online form, they create a report that brings together all the information you gave them, making sure it doesn't contain any information that could identify you.

Your report is sent to the relevant authority with the legal responsibility to investigate crimes, make arrests and charge people to bring them to justice. This could be your local police force or an agency such as the UK Border Agency or HM Revenue & Customs.

Crimestoppers can also share advice on how to protect the people you care about from crime, so everyone can feel safe.