Minutes:
The Township Forum received an update on Police matters in Whitefield and Unsworth. Inspector Ben Cottam (GMP) attended the meeting and provided statistics on crimes committed since the last meeting.
The following statistics were given:
· burglary (dwelling) – 19
· burglary (other) – 11
· criminal damage/arson – 23
· vehicle offences – 20
· assaults (with injury) - 16
· assaults (without injury)-17
Inspector Cottam was asked if figures relating to domestic violence and hate crime would be included. It was reported that all crime statistics for Whitefield and Unsworth and Greater Manchester were available to view on the Greater Manchester Police website.
Inspector Cottam informed the members present of local PCSO’s who had recently gone to St. Bernadette’s RC Primary school to give a presentation. Visits had also taken place to cub groups to give talks on crime prevention.
Operation Treacle
The meeting was informed that the recent Operation Treacle joint initiative involving GMP and GM Fire and Rescue Service had targeted anti-social behaviour and firework safety during the Halloween and bonfire night period. The initiative had operation had been a success with no increase in the reports of anti-social behaviour made since 2014.
PACT meetings update
Inspector Cottam reminded the meeting that PACT meetings would take place one hour before each township forum meeting. Also to make PACT meetings more accessible to the wider community, GMP would be contactable on social media, for during specific times, using Twitter and Facebook to ask questions.
Operation darker nights
This is a high profile initiative focused on crime prevention in Bury. The initiative focuses on crime prevention, vehicle crime and Homewatch advice. In addition mobile police stations will be deployed in Bury town centre to provide crime prevention advice. There will also be an increase in the number of police officers on trams and at local Metrolink stations.
Paris Terror Attacks
The meeting was informed that there was no intelligence at this time to suggest there would is a terrorist threat in Manchester or the country as a whole. The current terror alert level is at ‘severe’ and this would remain in place. Inspector Cottam also stated that if a terror attack were to take place, there were concerns that GMP would not be in a position to react at a the same level as the emergency services in Paris due to current resource levels. Members of the public were advised to stay vigilant.
The Chair then invited questions.
Parking on Park Lane
Vehicles are being parked on the pavement on Park Lane while training sessions take place on the adjacent field. Can something be done to raise awareness of the danger this can cause to blind people and other pedestrians.
The local authority can take enforcement action on vehicles parking on the pavement. PCSO contact will be passed on to help raise awareness.
The meeting was also told that photographs can be taken of vehicles parked on the pavement and they can be passed on to the police. Also if a resident confronts a driver regarding their parking and the driver becomes abusive then this can also be reported.
Inspector Cottam made that point that driver’s also park on the pavement in order help make more space on the road and reduce the chances of a collision.
Parking on Wingate Drive
Drivers are parking their vehicles along Wingate Drive and this has prevented some residents who live there from leaving their homes. Also an emergency ambulance was held up trying to answer a call.
Empty building
Could something be done to prevent access and anti social behaviour taking place in the old spiritualist church in Whitefield? There is an electricity sub-station next to the building and there is a danger of fire if the building is not made secure.
The chair thanked Inspector Cottam for his attendance and his presentation.