An update on local Police issues will be provided at the meeting by an Officer of Greater Manchester Police.
Minutes:
Prior to the start of the meeting, Sergeant Abed Hussain, PC Greg Scott, PC Pete Eccleston and PCSO Talha Sange were in attendance in order to give advice on a 1 – 1 basis to members of the Public. An update was then provided to members of the Township Forum in respect of Policing issues within Bury East. The following information was reported:
· PC Eccleston reported that in relation to East Ward and parking issues around Church Street Mosque, an area Officer will be joint patrolling with Mr Ali, the Mosque leader and these issues will be raised at Prayer.
· Antisocial behaviour on the Townside Estate, the local area Officers, PC Heap, PCSO Bigland and PCSO Broughton are heavily involved with this along with local Councillors, to hopefully bring the Offenders to task.
· In relation to Redvales Ward and the shooting that took place on 12 January 2016 on Alfred Street, there are currently Community Officers patrolling within this area.
· Sporadic theft of fuel from cars, with the offender cutting fuel lines. Any public information on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
· A man has been knocking on doors and begging for money, giving a variety of reasons why he needs it. Local Officers believe they know the identity of the man and he is to be contacted.
· Antisocial behaviour around Valley Mill Road, residents are asked to report any issues to local Officer, PC Ransom.
· PC Scott reported that in relation to Moorside Ward, Antisocial behaviour was reported on Clarence Close and the Derby Court area. These issues were being addressed and family members were being contacted.
· PC Scott explained that outside Greater Manchester, Bury was the biggest shopping area and prior to Christmas there had been a spate of shop lifting. However, following Operation Advent, this had been massively reduced. On Market days, mobile Police centres were positioned in order to offer advice, particularly to the elderly on keeping safe and on non Market days, the centre was positioned on the Rock, near Barclays bank.
· There had been issues with people begging within the Town Centre and youths smoking drugs and Officers have visited the Colleges to try and educate students on the dangers of drugs.
In response to a question from Melanie Waters, a local resident, on where the youths causing antisocial behaviour around the Chesham area were supposed to go if not outside their own homes, PC Scott reported that Chesham Park, which was a large recreational area, was available and it wasn’t appropriate for youths to be smoking drugs and drinking alcohol in residential areas, upsetting residents, particularly the elderly.
In response to a question asked by Councillor Cassidy in relation to people begging, and if they were in fact homeless. PC Scott replied that he had been working with the appropriate agencies and he passed her details on to anyone who appeared homeless and caught begging within the Town Centre. Also, every Friday between 8 am and lunch time, the Mosses Centre offered food for those who needed it.
It was agreed:
That the update be noted and the Police Officers thanked for their time and attendance at the meeting.