Heywood neighbourhood team join Programme Challenger in day of action tackling criminality

Heywood’s neighbourhood team started a crime-tackling day of action with two early morning warrants today (Thursday March 28), as they sent a clear message to criminals operating in the local community.

Beginning at 7am, officers executed two warrants – one on Dumbarton Drive and one on Queen’s Park Road – ably supported by members of GMP’s Programme Challenger team.

Challenger sees operations conducted across Greater Manchester to tackle serious and organised crime, working closely with neighbourhood teams to tackle issues that can flow down from organised crime groups.

During the warrant at Queen’s Park Road, one man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs, with one woman in her 20s arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A quantity of cannabis with a street worth of several hundred pounds and suspected cocaine was discovered during a search. Additionally, a zombie knife, a pickaxe and designer clothing were seized.

Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, officers maintained a presence in the community, visiting ASB hotspots and providing high-visibility patrols.

Knife sweeps of ginnels and roads were conducted by PCSO’s, who also supported other activities in the day. By checking bushes and undergrowth – where some people may hide bladed articles – officers can ensure dangerous weapons are kept out of circulation.

Further work during the day included visits to businesses under Operation Vigilant, involving a team of specialist police officers and social workers. The operation is intelligence led and sees the partnerships carrying out visits to protect young people from all types of exploitation. 

Sergeant Matthew Honey, from GMP’s Heywood neighbourhood team, said: “When we receive reports of crime, we investigate, attend, arrest and prosecute where appropriate. Ultimately, that is what people in the community want and that is exactly what we set out to deliver.

“In recent weeks, we have had reports of various strands of crime, including anti-social behaviour, burglaries, drug-dealing, and more. This day of action is to act as a reminder that we are here and will never tolerate crime that affects law-abiding citizens of Heywood.

“The work additionally acts as disruption, letting those suspected of being involved in criminality that they can expect a knock on the door if we hear they are involved in illegal activity.

“We will utilise specialist resources where needed – including Challenger teams, who are always more than willing to join us to tackle crime in Heywood, with the additional officers now based at Heywood this will be a regular occurrence.”

Detective Sergeant Gabe Gibson, from Rochdale's Challenger Unit, said: “Collaborative efforts within GMP are of paramount importance. Through the exchange of expertise, open dialogue on prevailing issues, and the adoption of shared best practices, we are committed to delivering quality policing services to the residents of Greater Manchester.

“We will always work closely with Heywood’s neighbourhood team and today’s results show the fantastic work we can achieve when we do. Challenger takes a robust approach to tackling crime within the community and will continue to do so across every single district."

You can report information to police by calling 101, visiting gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.