Work being carried out by police in Oldham is leading to more cases being dealt with and a drop in crime compared to last year.

Figures between September 2022 to August 2023 compared to data from September 2023 to August 2024 shows an improvement in results when it comes to officers responding to incidents, making arrests and solving cases.

Since new District Commander in Chief for Oldham Superintendent Estelle Mathieson joined, the Oldham branch of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has adopted a ‘back to basics’ approach to fighting crime and keeping people safe.

The force is looking to improve public perception of the district around tackling anti-social behaviour and speeding and as a result, specific operations have been launched, such as Operation Lune, using intelligence and community feedback to help combat crime.

Oldham's GMP officers are tackling off-road bikes, electric bikes and vehicles, leading to seizures, arrests and weapons being recovered, while the force also works with Oldham Council to make streets and alleyways safer for residents.

Encouraging statistics

GMP has said that from 2022/23 to 2023/24 (from September to August) the improvements have seen the following increases for the right reasons:

  • Top priority emergency incidents response times have risen from 91.5 per cent to 96.2 per cent (when comparing August 2023 and 2024).
  • Other emergency incidents classed as ‘Grade 2’ rose over 16 per cent from 60.3 per cent to 76.7% per cent (when also comparing August 2023 and 2024).
  • Positive outcomes from stop searches increased from 1,876 (18.1 per cent) to 2,328 (25.8 per cent) for items such as weapons, drugs and stolen items which coincides with the district conducting more lawful stop searches.
  • The total arrests moved up 11.8 per cent from 4,037 to 4,513, which includes an increase of domestic abuse suspects at incidents being put into custody from 1,317 to 1,397 and is at the highest point since pre-Covid times for arrests.
  • Solved crimes rates have improved from 2,358 cases to 2,858.
  • Overall crime figures reduced 1 per cent and are seeing a continuing decease.
  • Theft from person saw a sharp fall of 37.5 per cent.
  • Residential burglary has reduced by 21.8 per cent.
  • Vehicles offences has dropped by 20.9 per cent.
  • Personal robbery has decreased by 13.2 per cent.

'We need to continue our improvement'

Chief Superintendent Mathieson said: “I’m really proud of the team I have around me as our number one priority is keeping you safe and in your time of need getting to you as fast as we can.

“We are actively targeting criminals’ intent on causing fear in our communities and remain committed and relentless in our approach to continue this to prevent and protect you from the most harm.

“I would like to thank our residents for your continued support and please keep interacting with officers in person so you can give them the information and intelligence that is relevant to help you, as well as continuing to report incidents to us so we can ensure we act on that information appropriately.

“We always work closely with key organisations such as the Council and housing partners to listen to your concerns and come up with ways to reduce crime where you live.”

Chief Inspector Ian Partington, who is in charge of the neighbourhood response added: “We have made fantastic progress in the past year, but we know we need to continue our improvement. I know I speak on behalf of all our officers out there responding to incidents and those you see in your communities that we are determined to continue this positive outlook, with the results highlighted showcasing that.

“We are privileged to serve Oldham every day and will act on all reasonable lines of enquiry we receive as we know local residents are proud and passionate to live and work in our borough.”

Cllr Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council said: “No one should feel unsafe or live in fear of crime so this news that crime is falling in Oldham will be welcomed by businesses and residents. 

“It’s shows that the hard work to cut crime by the police, council, partners and - most importantly of all - Oldham people is really paying off.

“We all share the same goal - a thriving borough where people want to live, work and visit. 

“We’ve all got a part to play to keep our communities safe so I would urge anyone to report crime to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.”