Police and partner initiative launched in Rochdale town centre to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour
A new initiative called Operation Tetbury, part of the Clear, Hold, Build strategy, has been launched in Rochdale town centre to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. The initiative involves a dedicated neighbourhood policing team collaborating with Rochdale Council, local support services, businesses, and residents to address issues like shoplifting, aggressive begging, drug use, and graffiti. The operation includes enforcement, prevention, and community-building measures, with a focus on long-term solutions and support for offenders. Inspector Meena Yasin leads the initiative, which has already seen arrests for drug dealing and shoplifting. Community involvement is encouraged to aid the operation's success.
Rochdale Launches Three-Phase Crime Crackdown with Operation Tetbury
Rochdale’s town centre is the target of a new intensive policing initiative that combines enforcement with community rebuilding in a three-phase approach to tackle persistent crime and anti-social behaviour. Operation Tetbury, formally known as the Clear, Hold, Build initiative, deploys a dedicated neighbourhood policing team working alongside Rochdale Council, local support services, businesses and residents to address the root causes of issues plaguing the area.
The operation follows a systematic approach: first clearing the area by pursuing criminals, then holding the location through police, civil and regulatory powers to prevent their return, and finally building a prosperous community that people feel proud to visit, work and live in. Inspector Meena Yasin, whose team previously eradicated gang activity in the Freehold neighbourhood through nationally recognised work, leads the operation and vows to bring the same vigour to Rochdale town centre.
Police have already identified several perpetrators and issued Criminal Behaviour Orders prohibiting them from entering the town centre or specific shops where they committed shoplifting. For younger offenders, the team collaborates with youth services to divert them into productive community activities, aiming to break cycles of escalating criminality. The initiative addresses various issues including shoplifting, aggressive begging, drug use, off-road bikes, graffiti and other behaviours causing misery to residents’ lives.
“We know that incidents can often go unreported, which is why we are committed to working with local businesses to build strong lines of communication to ensure we can tackle the issues they are facing by allocating the appropriate resources and measures,” Inspector Yasin stated. Early results include arrests for drug dealing and shoplifting, with police urging community members to report information by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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