Closure order on Freehold property linked to drug crime and anti-social behaviour

This week police in Rochdale, supported by GMP Legal Services, have secured another full closure order on a property in the Freehold neighbourhood. This brings the total to three properties which have been closed over the past couple of months following community concerns about drug crime and anti-social behaviour.

The closure order will last for a period of three month and means that access to the property is prohibited. If anyone is found on the premises, unlawfully, they may be arrested.

Reports from residents included frequent visitors to the property; day and night, repeated criminal damage, noise complaints, and intimidation.

Inspector Meena Yasin from GMP Rochdale said: “I’m pleased that this closure order has been granted and I hope it will bring further reassurance to residents in the area, and the wider community, that criminal behaviour and intimidation will not be tolerated.

“This address has been causing untold issues for the local community and we have been working closing with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) to target anti-social behaviour and ensure residents are safe and feel safe.

“I hope this latest closure order highlights how important it is for residents to let us know about issues in their areas. We will take it seriously, and we will work with our partners to do all we can to resolve the problem and ensure that the closures are fully enforced, and any criminal offences are dealt with robustly.”

Hayley Stockham, Director of Neighbourhood Services at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), said: "We want to make sure that our communities are safe places that people are proud to call home, and we work closely with Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Borough Council to achieve this. We have zero tolerance for crime and anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods. This latest closure order demonstrates that this behaviour won't be tolerated."

Operation Affect is the force’s latest Clear, Hold Build initiative in Freehold neighbourhood. Working with Rochdale Council, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), and the local community themselves, we are actively disrupting criminality in the area. To date, officers have executed ten warrants, made 33 arrests, and seized large quantities of illicit cash, drugs, and weapons. 

Nobody knows their community better than those who live there, and we want you to be a part of the solution. Whether you’re a local resident, a business owner, or simply someone who cares about the community, you can help by:

• Sharing concerns or intelligence with us: Report suspicious activity by calling GMP on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.
• Sign up to Bee in the Loop to receive free texts or email alerts about the work we’re doing in your area. Bee in the Loop is your direct line to your local neighbourhood policing team and will keep you updated about what is happening on your street and in your local community beeintheloop.co.uk.
• Anyone with any information about crime in their area is asked to contact GMP on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.