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Crime in Oldham

Live local crime desk with repeat-name tracking, ward pressure, and cross-case continuity.

24h2
7 days10
30 days38
Active wards12
Tracked people97

Tracking is generated from public reporting and indicates mentions only. It does not establish guilt or conviction unless the source states that explicitly.

Repeat Names Across Cases

Ward Pressure (30 Days)

Alexandra 9
Failsworth West 4
Failsworth East 3
Derker 2
Oldham West and Royton 1
Royton North 1
Royton South 1
Limeside 1
St Mary's 1
Waterhead 1
Oldham Central

Five arrests in historic child sexual exploitation investigation in Oldham

Greater Manchester Police have arrested five men as part of Operation Sherwood investigating historic child sexual exploitation in Oldham. The arrests include a 43-year-old and 53-year-old man arrested on January 22 on suspicion of facilitating child sexual offences and conspiracy to commit sexual offences, and a 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of rape. Two additional men aged 45 and 39 were arrested on February 4 on suspicion of arranging child sexual offences and rape of a female under 16. All five men have been bailed with strict conditions. The arrests bring the total number of arrests in Operation Sherwood to 27 since its launch in 2022.

Alexandra

Man found dead in Oldham beauty spot - police seal off area

A man was found dead at Snipe Clough Nature Reserve in Oldham on Monday, February 23, after police responded to a concern for welfare report at around 9.15am. Officers from Greater Manchester Police and paramedics attended the scene near Thatcher Street, where the area was sealed off. The man was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. Police stated there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

St Mary's

Oldham man Samuel McConkie avoids jail after rooftop stand-off

Samuel McConkie, 40, from Angelico Rise in Oldham, avoided a prison sentence after a rooftop stand-off with police in Counthill Road on August 25, 2025. Residents called police after seeing a woman covered in blood wearing only a bra. McConkie, who had 61 previous convictions and was on licence, threatened officers saying 'don't come any closer - I've got a nine milly' and threw roof tiles, damaging a car. Police found cocaine on him when he came down. He admitted breaching a restraining order and criminal damage, receiving a 20-month suspended sentence and £500 compensation. Charges of assault, false imprisonment, and threats to kill were dropped.

Waterhead

Oldham crime and safety news December 2024

Oldham Police are patrolling the town centre this Christmas to protect shoppers and retailers. A Closure Order has been secured on a Waterhead property identified as a drug dealing hotspot. Oldham Council prosecuted a nursery and its directors for food hygiene offences, ordering them to pay more than £5,700. A private hire driver who worked despite having his licence suspended was ordered to pay over £4,600. A property in Waterhead was shut down following reports of drug dealing, criminal damage, theft and noise nuisance. Two men aged 35 and 42 were arrested in Chadderton in a joint operation involving Trading Standards, police and the RSPCA, with 18 dogs seized.

Failsworth West

Police appeal after Failsworth collision leaves woman in 90s seriously injured

A woman in her 90s was seriously injured in a collision with a reversing vehicle on Albert Road West, Failsworth at around 2pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses, including anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage. The pedestrian was taken to hospital where she remains in serious condition. Police have provided contact details including phone number 0161 856 4741 and reference log 1936 of 07/01/2026.

Failsworth West

Police appeal fatal Failsworth collision 90-year-old woman dies

A 90-year-old woman died after being struck by a reversing vehicle on Albert Street West in Failsworth on January 7, 2026. The collision occurred around 3pm, and she was taken to hospital in serious condition but died from her injuries on January 13. A 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of driving offences has been released on police bail. Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage, or CCTV of the incident. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 1936 of 07/01/26 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Chadderton Central

Oldham shooting: Police update on investigation

Greater Manchester Police are investigating a shooting in Oldham where shots were fired at a property on School House Road at 1pm on Sunday, February 15. Bullet holes were found in the downstairs window and a car parked outside. Two men, aged in their 40s and 20s, were arrested on February 18 during dawn raids on Chapel Road and Vicarage Street on suspicion of firearms offences, but have since been released on bail. Detective Inspector Rachel Smith described the incident as a targeted attack and said extra patrols have been deployed in the area. Police are appealing for CCTV, doorbell footage, photos, or descriptions of suspects to be reported directly.

Chadderton Central

Man arrested after suspected arson in Oldham

A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a bin fire on Bardsley Street, Oldham, at around 6.30am on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident alongside police, who were called to reports of the fire. The residents of the affected property were taken to hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation. Detective Inspector Andy Barrett of GMP's Oldham CID said the consequences of the suspected arson attack could have been very different and urged anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting log 381 of 19.02.26, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Chadderton Central

Chadderton teen jailed for Piccadilly Gardens knife attack

Said Saddat, 19, from Chadderton, has been jailed for three years and nine months after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm for a knife attack in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens on July 27, 2025. The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered a significant neck wound and required emergency hospital treatment. CCTV showed Saddat had earlier told the victim he was 'not allowed' to be at Piccadilly Gardens before returning armed with a knife and attacking him. Saddat was arrested, treated in hospital, and sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on February 19, 2026.

Ripponden Road

Oldham councillor's car torched in targeted arson attack

Councillor Josh Charters' Mini Cooper was torched outside his Ripponden Road home on January 13 by a balaclava-clad attacker in what police called a 'targeted attack'. The arson follows similar incidents including council leader Arooj Shah's car firebombing in 2021 and an independent candidate's vehicle being set ablaze. Over 80% of councillors nationwide struggle to recruit candidates due to online abuse (85%) and in-person threats (78%), with Oldham's new town hall featuring bullet-proof security doors. The intimidation campaign is deterring potential candidates ahead of May's local elections, with one senior source revealing people are 'scared about the abuse they'll get'.

Oldham Central

Police on beat keeping Oldham shoppers safe this Christmas

Oldham Police are increasing patrols in the town centre this winter to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour. Sergeant Graham Craven leads the Oldham Town Centre and Retail Crime Team as part of Greater Manchester Police's Operation North Star. Nine student officers, including PC Ryan Homer who has been on the beat for 15 weeks, are joining regular patrols. The Safer Town Centre plan involves Oldham Council working with police and partners. CCTV monitors the town centre with direct radio links to businesses. Cllr Elaine Taylor praised the officers' dedication to keeping the community safe during the busy festive period.