Police and Housing Partnership Transform Rochdale Estate After Crime Crackdown

A pioneering partnership between Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has transformed the Freehold neighbourhood through an innovative approach that combines tough enforcement with community-led solutions.

Operation Affect, launched in December 2023, began with a covert police operation targeting violent offenders and drug dealers who had terrorised residents. Officers executed 11 warrants, made 48 arrests, and seized large quantities of drugs, cash and weapons. Three closure orders shut down nuisance properties, while officers engaged with thousands of residents to understand their concerns.

The operation’s most innovative measure came in November 2024 with the introduction of Greater Manchester’s first Open Space Closure Order Zone. The pioneering order banned non-residents from gathering in stairwells, on landings, bridges and near bin chutes - areas residents identified as crime hotspots.

Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents reported feeling safer in the evenings, with one saying “this is the best thing to happen around here in a long time.” Another noted that “anti-social behaviour in general has decreased,” while a third thanked officers for “making Freehold a place to feel proud to live in again.”

The three-month closure order proved so successful that police decided not to renew it, though officers maintain a visible presence. Inspector Meena Yasin, who led the initiative, said: “This operation has very much been community focussed and is the product of hours of interaction with local residents and partners, and represents what they want from their police force.”

RBH continues investing in the area with security improvements, better refuse facilities, and community activities including DJ workshops and winter gatherings. A community clean-up day took place Wednesday, with future plans including a hair masterclass and youth programmes.

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