Responding to incidents faster and solving more crimes is keeping Oldham safer

Over the past year, the dedicated team of officers stationed in Oldham at all levels have seen a notable improvement in results.

Since the introduction of a new District Commander in Chief Superintendent Estelle Mathieson, she has helped orchestrate a team of committed officers from the district following the force’s turnaround and ‘back to basics’ approach to fight crime, protect victims and keep communities safe.

With faster response times, conducting more positive stop searches, increasing arrests, and solving more crimes, this has had a direct impact in reducing crime.

Research has shown previously public perception of the district around tackling steady increased reports of anti-social behaviour and speeding has been an area they are looking to deal with head-on going forwards.

As a result, specific operations have been launched, such as Operation Lune, to make a sizeable impact on this, using intelligence and community feedback to help combat it which officers and communities will start to the see the positive outcomes from this.

The targeted tactic of tackling off-road bikes, electric bikes and vehicles has seen several seizures, arrests and weapons recovered. As well as working with the Council to devise methods to make streets and alleyways safer for residents.

With the priorities on the district to help all areas of Oldham specifics to its needs from Chadderton to Crompton and Royton to Saddleworth to Failsworth and Werneth, officers in the local area are always there to help in an emergency. The ultimate aim is to ensure those in Oldham feel safer, by working with the Council to improve lives and make sure they receive a great service from their force.

From 2022/23 to 2023/24 (from September to August) the improvements have seen the following increases for the right reasons:

• Top priority emergency incidents response times have risen from 91.5% to 96.2% (when comparing the month of August) showcasing they are the best district in this and continue to be consistent in sustaining this.
• Other emergency incidents classed as ‘Grade 2’ rose over 16% from 60.3% to 76.7% (when also comparing to the month of August).
• Positive outcomes from stop searches increased from 1,876 (18.1%) to 2,328 (25.8%) for items such as weapons, drugs and stolen items which coincides with the district conducting more lawful stop searches than ever before.
• The total arrests moved up 11.8% from 4,037 to 4,513. This includes a steady increase of domestic abuse suspects at incidents being put into custody from 1,317 to 1,397 and is at the highest point since pre-Covid times for arrests.
• Solved crimes rates also improved from 2,358 cases to 2,858.
• Whilst overall crime figures reduced1% and are seeing a continuing decease.
• Theft from person saw a sharp fall of 37.5%.
• Residential burglary has reduced by 21.8%.
• Vehicles offences has dropped by 20.9%.
• Personal robbery has decreased by 13.2%.

On the continued journey to improvement Chief Superintendent Estelle Mathieson said; “I’m really proud of the team I have around me as our number one priority is keeping you safe and in your time of need getting to you as fast as we can.

“We are actively targeting criminals’ intent on causing fear in our communities and remain committed and relentless in our approach to continue this to prevent and protect you from the most harm.

“I would like to thank our residents for your continued support and please keep interacting with officers in person so you can give them the information and intelligence that is relevant to help you, as well as continuing to report incidents to us so we can ensure we act on that information appropriately.

“We always work closely with key organisations such as the Council and housing partners to listen to your concerns and come up with ways to reduce crime where you live.”

Chief Inspector Ian Partington, who is in charge of the neighbourhood response added; “We have made fantastic progress in the past year, but we know we need to continue our improvement. I know I speak on behalf of all our officers out there responding to incidents and those you see in your communities that we are determined to continue this positive outlook, with the results highlighted showcasing that.

“We are privileged to serve Oldham every day and will act on all reasonable lines of enquiry we receive as we know local residents are proud and passionate to live and work in our borough.”

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council said: “No one should feel unsafe or live in fear of crime so this news that crime is falling in Oldham will be welcomed by businesses and residents. 

“It’s shows that the hard work to cut crime by the police, council, partners and - most importantly of all - Oldham people is really paying off.

“We all share the same goal - a thriving borough where people want to live, work and visit. 

“We’ve all got a part to play to keep our communities safe so I would urge anyone to report crime to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

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