GMP Rochdale secure innovative closure order which prohibits people entering Freehold to congregate in stairwells to commit crime

Greater Manchester Police is using innovative powers to manage drug dealing and reduce anti-social behaviour in the Freehold neighbourhood in Rochdale, by closing off 19 blocks of flats to non-residents. By utilising legislation to implement an Open Space Closure Order Zone, the order prohibits non-residents from congregating in stairwells, on landings, bridges and near bin chutes, and within open spaces attached to properties – all the issues which our community told us were affecting them the most. It will be in force from Monday 4 November and will last for three months.

When Operation Affect first launched in December 2023, one of the main concerns of residents was the incessant drug dealing and gatherings in the stairwells and the intimidation they faced when getting to their home. Enough was enough, and after hours of consultation with the local community and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, we launched the multi-agency ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ operation to create a real difference in the area.

We have been relentless in the clear phase of the operation, we’ve targeted prolific offenders, drug dealers, and those intent on causing serious harm in the area, exploiting the most vulnerable. To date, we’ve made 40 arrests, executed 10 warrants, and seized caches of drugs, cash, and weapons. Following police interventions, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing have followed through with injunctions, termination of tenancies, and mandatory re-possessions – sending a clear message that crime will not be tolerated.

While the clear phase will continue to manage criminality, as we move into the hold phase, we’re looking to use innovative ways to make a real difference to our community. While Closure Orders are one effective way to remove nuisance tenants from the area, we wanted to find a solution to prohibit people from entering the Freehold neighbourhood to commit crime, and this Open Space Closure Order Zone will help us do just that. If someone breaches the order, they could be subject to arrest.

This is in addition to, and complements, the current Public Space Protection Order which is in place to prohibit anti-social riding of motorbikes and e-bikes and drinking alcohol in the whole of the Borough.

To enforce this latest order we’ve increased patrols, day and night, and you will likely see more of our officers in the area. If you see anything suspicious, or have information to suggest people are committing crime, please report it to them so that we can act.

As well as utilising all powers and policies available to us, there is significant investment taking place including the green spaces, the leisure facilities on site, CCTV, and better security options to make residents feel safer.

This new closure order will not negatively impact the day-to-day activities of residents, who will still be able to go about their daily activities with friends, families, and visitors. It just means that police will be able to more effectively remove criminals who are loitering in the stairwells or public spaces, committing crime or anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Meena Yasin, who leads Operation Affect, said: “This is the first Open Space Closure Order Zone secured by Greater Manchester Police and is a revolutionary way of using existing legislation to protect our communities in the place they call home. The Order allows us to target the stairwells and open spaces in a way that will support cohesion. It will help hundreds of residents and help our partner agencies in the ‘hold’ and ‘build’ phases.

“This new order should dramatically reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the Freehold area because if we identify people who are entering the neighbourhood without permission or to commit crime, we can arrest and remove them, creating a safer environment for our residents.

“I hope this demonstrates to the community just how committed we are to their safety. We hear their concerns, and we will use all powers and policies available to achieve our common goal of keeping Freehold a safe and welcoming neighbourhood.

“As well as pursuing criminals and removing nuisance people from the estate, we are working closely with the local children and their families to understand what they want to see from police, but also create trusted relationships with them so that we can better support the communities that we serve, all of which is complimented by working with our partner agencies to support people in diversionary activities and helping those in need.

Hayley Stockham, RBH Director of Neighbourhood Services, said: “We continue to be fully committed to improving our communities, and a crucial part of this is having zero tolerance for crime and anti-social behaviour.

"We're pleased to be able to work closely with our partners, including Greater Manchester Police, to tackle organised crime and make our communities safer.

"We know that there is crime and criminal behaviour taking place in the stairwells and communal areas at Freehold, and these new powers will help to tackle this criminal activity and help us to meet our goal of making sure Freehold is a safe neighbourhood that our customers are proud to call home.”