Improving safety by engaging the community

In addition to local residents, the event was also attended by Tony Lloyd MP, Councillors Sultan Ali, Jim Gartside and Wendy Cocks, police officers, PCSOs and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators

The local community was encouraged to improve safety at a recent meeting, organised by the Rochdale Branch of the Greater Manchester Neighbourhood Watch Association at Castlemere Community Centre.

In addition to local residents, the event was also attended by Tony Lloyd MP, Councillors Sultan Ali and Wendy Cocks, police officers, PCSOs and neighbourhood watch co-ordinators.

Co-ordinator Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE gave a presentation about the British Crime Survey 2018 in which he drew attention to crimes in Greater Manchester and in Rochdale.

He said: “Because of the austerity and reduction in budget, we have lost many police officers that has led to the increase in the crimes in the country. Police and the community should work together to eradicate crimes and anti-social behaviour in their respective areas.

He added that, under the current circumstances, setting up Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in the Borough of Rochdale is “very important as neighbours can keep an eye on suspicious activities and people”.

Tony Lloyd, Member of Parliament, who was previously the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, supported the initiative and shared his experience in this role. He asked the audience to set up Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in their respective areas and work closely with the police.

Councillor Sultan Ali, Saj Miah from the Community Safety, co-ordinators and other members of the community spoke on various issues affecting the local community.

A questionnaire was distributed on all tables and participants were asked about their commitment to reduce crimes and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Shahzad thanked everyone for their attendance, contribution and sharing their knowledge and experiences with the other participants before refreshments were served.