Last weekend, I hosted a community event to discuss crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities, at Rochdale AFC in Spotland.
Everyone deserves to live in safety and security, and I am very grateful to everyone who came and gave us their own personal stories of how they have been affected by anti-social behaviour and crime.
I was joined by my invited panel of experts from the Council, Greater Manchester Police’s neighbourhoods team, local councillor Iram Faisal, and Rochdale Borough Housing. I am also very grateful for their attendance and agreement to be involved.
It was a busy meeting, and the room was full, but we still managed to cover many different topics including drugs, motocross and quad bikes, problem neighbours and the importance of community.
I am delighted that the meeting was so constructive, with everyone having a chance to get advice or raise an issue for follow-up.
It is to be expected that in a meeting like this, people would attend because they have problems, and I hope we were able to help. Obviously, there are also many good things to say about our communities and most people have a positive experience of day-to-day life. But for those with specific issues, they need to know that the agencies we all rely on will be there for them, helping and finding solutions.
The Government has been focussing on the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour, with new announcements about investments in neighbourhood policing, crackdowns on quad bikes, and more support for the police and councils.
The partner organisations at the meeting made some very specific commitments in response to issues raised. This includes fixing a piece of the public realm, holding a multi-agency meeting and spreading feedback and intelligence to the Police neighbourhood teams.
We also had an owner in a new housing estate get advice on setting up a new neighbourhood watch, with a follow-up pledge from the council.
Housing was discussed as a crucial element of how we manage safe spaces in the community, and Rochdale Borough Housing gave a very honest update on how everyone needs to work together to tackle problem neighbours.
One core message from all the partners was the importance of continuing to report issues when you face them. Using CrimeStoppers, or Bee In the Loop, is useful because in addition to reporting the individual crime, they also help direct longer-term priorities for all the agencies.
If you want to talk to me about an issue of crime or anti-social behaviour that you are experiencing, then I want to hear from you. My team and I will do everything we can to facilitate the support you need from the partners.
This meeting was the first of many more to come while I am your MP, as no-one should be afraid to stand up for safe streets and happy neighbourhoods.