Officers disrupt criminality and drug-supply in Heywood day of action

Neighbourhood officers sent a clear message to Heywood this week that criminality in the community would be met by robust action.

It was an early start for officers on Thursday morning (June 8 2023) as they executed a warrant at an address in Manchester Street.

Working on intelligence received by colleagues in the Border Force, officers raided the property in search of suspected illegal products.

This follows a significant quantity of suspected class C drugs being intercepted en route to the address.

Disruption work is a key part of stopping suspected drug offences – by shutting down potential production and dealing houses and making them know that officers are aware, they are more likely to think twice before taking part in illegal activities.

After leaving the property, officers were directly onto their proactive patrols, monitoring the streets and looking into hotspots that the Heywood community have asked them to focus on.

Arrest attempts were successful for suspected crimes committed in the area – and three people were subsequently arrested during the course of the day.

One teenager was arrested on suspicion of breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order, while a 31-year-old woman was also arrested under suspicion of the same offence.

A 30-year-old male was also arrested under suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and suspected class A drugs.

The Heywood neighbourhood team are determined to act on your concerns and they are eager to hear what you think should be tackled in your community.

Sergeant Matthew Honey, from GMP's Rochdale division, said: “In very clear terms, we will not tolerate any criminality within our community. The law-abiding public should not have their lives disrupted by those who selfishly cause disruption in the area – whether that’s ASB, drug use or dealing – we have zero tolerance.

“We are working hard to clamp down on the issues that matter most to the public and our team will do what we can where we can to act on information we receive.

“I urge anyone to get in touch with us if they wish to talk about anything. We are ultimately here to serve the public and we want to hear from you. I am setting up a new regular 'Sergeant Surgery' where anyone can come to Heywood police station and discuss concerns with me personally. The first date is Sunday 18 June 1pm-3pm – please do come along.

“Our officers will also be in community hubs more often and you can also stop us for a quick chat when we’re out and about.”

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.