Police News – Rochdale East

Inspector Niall Pawson, Rochdale East

Inspector Pawson: "It has been another busy week for the Rochdale East INPT Team. Our priorities remain tackling burglaries and ensuring victims of Domestic Abuse get the best possible help and support. This week we have had nine reports of burglaries during the past week. The burglaries were all spread out over the Neighbourhood, with three in the Kingsway area, two in Smallbridge area and also two in Wardle."

In terms of the complete figures for the week these are as follows:

Kingsway - 3
Kirkholt - 0
Castleton - 1
Wardle - 2
Smallbrige & Firgrove - 2
Littleborough –1
Milnrow - 0

An issue that has been highlighted from this week’s burglaries is that there have been a few burglaries which have occurred due to insecurities, where offenders have managed to get into properties through doors that have not been securely locked. Please ensure that when you are both inside and outside of your property that all external doors and windows are locked.

Three vehicles which had previously been stolen in the Rochdale area  have now been recovered.

Police, Ambulance and the Fire Service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe: "Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after. If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day."