Greater Manchester Police has carried out an operation on Oldham’s transport system, which has been welcomed by transport bosses.
On Wednesday, December 27, specialised officers were out across Oldham’s transport network as part of a ‘pre-planned operation’ to tackle anti-social behaviour and to ‘provide reassurance’.
On Facebook, GMP Oldham said: “GMP’s specialised officers are out across #Oldham today in a pre-planned operation to provide reassurance and tackle ASB. Inappropriate behaviour on the public transport network will not be tolerated.”
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Oldham Metrolink line like the ‘wild west’
Earlier this month, GMP’s Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods was questioned about what the force intended to do about antisocial behaviour on the Rochdale-East Didsbury tram line.
The live phone-in show was broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester on Tuesday, December 5, with host Mike Sweeney reading out a message from Shaw resident Glen, saying he is ‘repeatedly threatened’ by ‘unbelievably aggressive’ teenage girls when riding the tram.
Host Mike Sweeney added that he thought the line was like the ‘wild west’ at times.
The deputy chief constable said: “Glen, first of all thank you for the contact, and some reassurance that we are well aware of some of the issues on some of the lines.
“Myself, Andy Burnham and the head of TfGM were actually at one of the tram depots a few weeks ago speaking to the staff about this and a number of other issues.
“The good thing is, number one, we have got, now, a dedicated tram unit that’s staffed by GMP police officers, so there’s a dedicated unit for the trams by GMP.”
The deputy chief constable went on to say the force is ‘doing a lot of activity’ on the line, with a ‘heavy police presence’ at times, adding that he was ‘determined’ to fix the issues.
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Last year, a report prepared by Transport for Greater Manchester revealed there were more criminal damage incidents on the Oldham to Rochdale Metrolink line than any other in the region.
Later in 2022, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced that the transport system would become GMP’s ‘11th district’ under plans to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
This was followed by targeted ‘Operation Avro’ operations throughout the transport system in the summer of this year.
Metrolink boss welcomes GMP support
TfGM’s head of Metrolink Danny Vaughan said: “Crime and anti-social behaviour on our public transport system should never be tolerated – and we welcome and fully support GMP’s operation in Oldham.
“Everyone travelling across our city region deserves to be safe and feel safe. It is hugely important for people’s independence and convenience - as well as for developing our integrated Bee Network transport system.”
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.
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