You said, we did: neighbourhood policing in action across Oldham

Whether it’s visible patrols, safeguarding vulnerable people, tackling crime head-on, or working with partners to solve long-term problems, our officers are making a real difference in their communities.

Recently our Oldham neighbourhood policing team carried out a targeted traffic operation focusing on the concerns you’ve raised.

The operation delivered significant results, including:

• 116 vehicle stop applications submitted
• 24 stop searches conducted
• Four arrests made
• Four vehicles seized
• Three community resolutions issued
• Three authorised police pursuits managed safely by officers
• Two Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) issued
• One report for summons

Officers also recovered a stolen Kia Sportage within 30 minutes in Glodwick – reuniting the car with its owner, who is a wheelchair user, and the offenders were arrested.

The day before, neighbourhood officers arrested two suspected burglars in Hollinwood after linking them to a stolen vehicle using false number plates. Both remain under investigation.

This operation is just one example of the ongoing work neighbourhood officers carry out every day in Oldham.

Officers across the district ensure they build a rapport with people who live and work within the community.

A great example of this is PC Holly Tinsley, who often proactively patrols Oldham town centre - somewhere you told us that retail theft was an issue.

PC Tinsley works closely with businesses across Oldham, encouraging them to report incidents as they happen and offering advice on crime prevention.

During these patrols she works with retail security staff to catch shoplifters in the act and arrest them at the scene.

Sergeant Tom Layton said: “Neighbourhood Policing Week is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work our neighbourhood teams do day in, day out across Oldham. This week is about showing how we listen to our communities and turn those concerns into real action.

“You told us what is affecting your quality of life, whether that’s dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour, retail theft or neighbourhood disputes and our officers responded with visible patrols, proactive enforcement and long‑term problem solving.

“You also told us that anti-social behaviour on Partington Street was a concern, so officers have increased their presence in the area.

“Dedicated patrols now take place regularly, with teams on the ground on Friday nights to disrupt crime and anti-social behaviour, while supporting residents and businesses.

“Operations such as the traffic initiative, alongside our everyday patrols, arrests and community engagement, demonstrate how neighbourhood policing makes a real difference. Our officers build strong relationships with residents, businesses and partners, and that trust allows us to prevent crime, protect vulnerable people and keep communities safe.

“I’d like to thank all the officers involved for their professionalism, dedication and continued commitment to the people of Oldham.”

The Neighbourhood Policing Week of action will take place from 15 to 21 June 2026. 

Neighbourhood policing is more than a role – it is a specialism that requires knowledge, skill and strong leadership.  

Officers and PCSOs working in neighbourhood teams are often the first point of contact for local people, building trust, preventing crime and dealing with the issues that matter most to the communities they serve, including anti-social behaviour. 

We have around 1,400 neighbourhood officers working across 38 teams at GMP – they are based in all 10 of our districts.