Police Give Saddleworth Crime Update
The local police in Saddleworth and Lees have revealed that crime is down slightly so far this year in several key categories, including burglaries and incidents of anti-social behaviour. However, drivers have again been warned to wipe sucker marks off their windscreens when removing their satnavs, after several thefts of the devices in our area lately.
The update was given by the head of the local policing team Inspector Danny Milovanovic at last month’s meeting of the Saddleworth Homewatch group in Uppermill. According to the minutes of the meeting, he revealed that there had been 48 burglaries this year so far compared with 65 at the same stage in 2009/10. The statistics for anti-social behaviour also showed a drop, to 299 instead of 406 at the same point last year.
Insp Milovanovic also gave more details of recent crimes in particular areas. He said that there had been 15 thefts from vehicles in the Saddleworth North and South wards over the previous two months, of which six were of satnavs.
One statistic which stood out was the 31 incidents of criminal damage in Saddleworth South alone during the last two months. Insp Milovanovic said 14 of those were on a single night on Church Road in Uppermill. A Saddleworth News article about that incident can be read here.
On the subject of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, Insp Milovanovic said that in his view they do work. He said in an attempt to control the presence of youths in Saddleworth, his officers had sometimes got onto buses bringing young people into the area. According to Insp Milovanovic, youths responded by taking taxis, which were now being stopped by officers.
The meeting also heard from Homewatch member Peter Lee about scams reported in the Greater Manchester area. He said one particular distraction technique of note involved culprits spotting that work had been completed on a house then knocking on the door, asking to inspect the work.
The next Saddleworth Homewatch meeting will take place in November. The Divisional Commander for Oldham, Chief Superintendent Tim Forber, will be the guest speaker.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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