Meet the police on the beat keeping shoppers and retailers safe in Oldham this Christmas
We joined Oldham Police in the town centre as they told how they will be helping to keep shoppers and retailers safe during the winter period.
Through its Safer Town Centre plan for winter, Oldham Council is working with Greater Manchester Police and other key partners.
Sergeant Graham Craven and his officers from the Oldham Town Centre and Retail Crime Team play a major role in Greater Manchester Police’s Operation North Star – an initiative to help protect communities during the festive period focused on criminality including shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Their work includes heading out on foot and engaging with the community during what is traditionally one of the busiest periods in local policing in the lead up to Christmas and into the New Year.
Oldham’s winter safety operation is joined by nine Student Police Officers, including PC Ryan Homer who has been on the beat in Oldham for 15 weeks.
Police are on foot and engaging with the community during one of the busiest periods in policing
“This is what I have always wanted to do, helping to keep people safe,” he said. “It is such a rewarding role being part of the community, including people stopping you to ask for directions and knowing you have helped them.”
Sgt Craven said: “We will have extra patrols out in the town centre across the winter period and our officers are here to help.
“We are committed to tackling retail crime, anti-social behaviour, and disorder in Oldham town centre through visible and proactive policing.
“We aim to protect businesses, reassure the public and create a safe environment this Christmas and New Year.”
Residents and visitors can feel reassured that Oldham town centre is closely monitored by CCTV, with police working in close partnership with businesses through direct radio link.
Cllr Elaine Taylor, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “I want to thank Sergeant Craven and the officers from the Oldham Town Centre and Retail Crime Team for their continued dedication to keeping our communities safe, particularly during the busy festive period. Their work provides visible reassurance to residents, shoppers and businesses.
“By tackling shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and disorder through proactive patrols and community engagement, they play a vital role in ensuring Oldham town centre remains a welcoming and safe place for everyone this Christmas and into the New Year.
“It is also encouraging to see student officers gaining this valuable experience while making a real difference on our streets.”
