Figures reveal crime in Newton Heath and Miles Platting dropped 50% as a result of a concentrated effort by over 20 agencies to cut crime and anti-social behaviour during a Respect Action Week.Criminal damage in the area was reduced by 48 per cent compared to the same period last year, burglaries were cut by 78 per cent and anti-social behaviour involving young people dropped by 10 per cent. During the week there were no reported car or bike thefts and despite being in the run-up to Bonfire night there were also no reported incidents of arson.
In total 51 people were arrested by Greater Manchester Police and 14 search warrants were executed and together with Northwards wardens, 65 stop searches were carried out. In addition 36 pupils were spoken to about non attendance at school and 12 children with their parents were warned about anti-social behaviour.
TV Licensing visited 163 addresses, four untaxed cars were seized and both British Gas and United Utilities discovered four homes in the area with illegal connections. Customs and Excise seized over 10,000 illegal cigarettes and 14 kg of illegal tobacco. Police officers confiscated three off-road bikes and one quad bike.
The Fire and Rescue Service fitted smoke alarms in 150 homes, 280 young people took part in youth activities and 15 graffiti sites were cleared. Eight local licensees attended a course on how to prevent underage alcohol sales and 14 off licences and five pubs were visited by police officers.
Sean McGonigle, Director of Regeneration for New East Manchester said: “The success of this Respect week shows that partnership initiatives like this one can deliver a real difference to our communities. Reducing crime and the threat of crime has always and will remain a priority for New East Manchester. We have made great progress in tackling crime but we recognise there is still more to do. Concentrated efforts like this lead to long-term benefits for the area.”
Inspector Steve McFarlane of Newton Health and Miles Platting Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This Respect Action Week has been another great success and partners have worked well together to respond to the requests from local residents.
“The week’s operation has involved a variety of activities focusing on bringing the community together to make their area a better place to live and work in.
“The feedback from the community has been extremely positive and we are hoping to repeat this success again in the New Year.”
For more information visit http://www.neweastmanchester.com/
