GMP’s Saddleworth and Lees Neighbourhood Policing Team come together with partners for ASB awareness week

Yesterday (Friday 7 July 2023), officers from GMP’s Saddleworth and Lees neighbourhood policing team came together with partner agencies to work to keep the Dovestones area of Oldham a safer place this summer.

The beauty of Dovestones attracts thousands of visitors over summer who want to enjoy the serenity of the area. 

During the morning, officers spoke to members of the public about ASB raising awareness of this issue and giving advice on what the public can do to support police in tackling the issue.

Colleagues from Oldham’s Mountain Rescue and Greater Manchester’s Fire and Rescue Service showed officers how to safely use the Perry Throw Line to assist those who have got into difficulty in the water to safety.

Chief Superintendent Phil Hutchinson of GMP’s Oldham District said: “We continue to try and make Dovestones a safer place. During ASB awareness week, we wanted to highlight the issues we are seeing, and what also what public can do to help us reduce anti-social behaviour.

“I would like to use this opportunity to remind members of the public that there is a Public Space Protection Order in place at Saddleworth Moor – meaning it is a criminal offence to start fires in the area, including BBQs. A breach of the order can result in a £1000 fine.

“I ask members of the public who frequent in the area and residents who live surrounding it to report anyone they suspect of planning and illegal BBQ or committing any other crime.

“Another issue we face during the warm weather here at Dovestones is with people jumping into the water, this is extremely dangerous behaviour and can result in serious injury and can, in some cases, cause fatal accidents.

“We are working with partner agencies and local authorities to do all we can to keep our community and also those visiting the area stay safe and to ensure we remain engaged with our communities, we will always be here to answer any of your concerns.

“Officers, not just in the Saddleworth and Lees area, but across Oldham have provided support and reassurance to the community during ASB awareness week.

“Our aim is to engage with as many people as possible, to reassure them that we are doing everything we can do to keep them and their communities safe.

We are working with our partners to tackle ASB. If you are suffering the consequences of other people’s actions, please report it to us via the dedicated link on our website or through our LiveChat function: https://www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb/report-antisocial-behaviour/ Always call 999 in an emergency.