Rochdale launch initiative to tackle gangs in Freehold neighbourhood

The Clear, Hold, Build initiative, known locally as Operation Affect, sees Greater Manchester Police working with Rochdale Council, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), and the local community themselves to disrupt and deter opportunistic and exploitative criminality in Freehold and create the conditions where local people can thrive.

The three-phase initiative will see police ruthlessly pursue gang members and criminals to clear the area, hold the location to prevent criminals exploiting the vacuum created by the original disruption, and work with partners to build a prosperous community.

As part of the work the neighbourhood policing team is carrying out to eradicate gang activity in the area, officers have made 18 arrests, executed 9 warrants, seized large quantities of drugs, cash, and weapons, as they continue to clear the area of criminality.

On Friday 5 July, the neighbourhood team, supported by GMP Legal Services, secured two full closure orders for properties in Freehold which were linked to anti-social behaviour and causing significant problems for the local residents. The closure order is issued by the Magistrates court and lasts for a period of 3 months.

Building on a successful community event held earlier this year, RBH are working with local residents and partners to design out crime in Freehold and rebuild a stronger community.

This is being done as part of a wider package of investment to the homes and includes proposals to invest in new security measures and improved stairwells as well as limiting access for non-residents.

The overall investment is anticipated to be around £5M and will keep residents safer and improve the overall look of the local area, including providing higher quality common areas and improving the condition of the buildings.

Inspector Meena Yasin and her local policing team are responsible for this project. Inspector Yasin explained: “These closure orders form the latest part of our operation, which has been ongoing since early this year. We’ve utilised a range of overt and covert tactics and we continue to work closely with local residents to understand what issues impact their livelihoods the most.

“We have spoken to residents who have been unable to sleep at night, who are scared to carry out everyday activities within their own homes as a result of anti-social behaviour and the criminal activity of a small number of individuals exploiting the neighbourhood.

"Securing these closure orders is a really important step in creating positive change in the area, and we have been working closely with local residents and RBH to try and proactively tackle issues linked to these properties. 

“There is palpable community spirit in this area, created by residents who have lived here for decades. Operation Affect is for them. We aim to take a community impacted by crime on a journey of regeneration, strengthening their resilience against criminal gangs, and eradicating the viscous cycle of gang recruitment by safeguarding those at risk of being lured into organised crime. 

“It is a pleasure for my team and I to work in this community, and my gratitude extends to everyone who has opened their door and welcomed us into their houses, taken the time to speak to us, and contributed to our intelligence picture which has led to these results.

“Our message is clear – we will be relentless in our pursuit of those involved in organised crime and we will do all we can to find those involved and safeguard our communities. But we cannot do this without the public and local support. We rely on communities to share intelligence with us so that we can take positive action.”

Hayley Stockham, RBH Director of Neighbourhoods, said: “We’re really proud to be working in Freehold with Inspector Yasin and her team, as well as with the Council and other partners. We know from talking to our customers that we are already starting to see a real difference in the neighbourhood. As part of this work, we’re investing around £5m in improvements to the blocks, including new security measures for the stairwells. We’ve had some great feedback from the community who have helped us to shape these plans.”

Get involved and share your views.

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 www.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.