Crime Prevention and Community Safety Conference

A Crime Prevention and Community Safety awareness conference was held at Deeplish Community Centre in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Rochdale Council Community Safety Department and more than 60 local residents on 10 December 2018.

The purpose of this conference was to promote community safety and community relations and to help residents understand about personal safety, hate crime awareness and reporting of any crimes.

Inspector Callaghan, from GMP’s Rochdale Division gave a detailed presentation on current police priorities, and how the community can contribute, participate and help in reducing crimes and anti-social activities. He also explained how the citizen’s contract can help resolve local neighbourhood issues and explained how the police help in protecting people, properties and businesses.

Inspector Callaghan also gave detailed information on local police priorities in tackling drugs, anti-social behaviour, traffic offences and begging and explained that police are targeting the hot spot areas of Drake Street and Milkstone Road.

He informed members that the police are targeting vehicles used in crimes through community intelligence and told community members that the key to all issues is reporting crimes, and gave information on the various ways that crimes can be reported.

Inspector Callaghan said: “We are keen to investigate every crime which happens in our neighbourhoods, but all depends upon reporting and providing information and intelligence by the local community.

“I encourage all residents to provide as much as information whilst reporting so that we can take criminals to courts, there are tougher sentences for crimes committed under  the ‘hate’ banner."

Mark Reynolds from the Community Safety team, showed a DVD on domestic abuse and how safety around your house, neighbourhood and town is important, he explained how crimes and criminal behaviours are challenged by partner agencies and council.

He said: “There is a joint approach across agencies in dealing with local issues.”

Mayor Mohammed Zaman attended the seminar and said: “Thank you for everyone’s participation, input and hard work in organising today’s event and for the work being carried out by Deeplish Community Centre throughout the year.

“We all have a duty to be responsible citizens and promote respect, peace and safety in our neighbourhoods, keeping them clean, safe and peaceful.

“Every one of us should take responsibility.”

Sohail Ahmad JP, operations manager of Deeplish Community Centre thanked everyone for their participation in delivering such an informative and detailed community safety and crime prevention seminar which was a great success.

He said: “We continue to work closely with GMP, Rochdale Council, Link4Life, community members and community groups in addressing local issues affecting our communities.”