Undercover patrol sees police at work in Bolton (From The Bolton News)

Undercover patrol sees police at work in Bolton

4:35pm Monday 2nd November 2009

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RESIDENTS went undercover with the police to get an insight into how officers patrol their neighbourhoods.

Police in Bolton invited residents to take part in “ride-around” patrols in unmarked police cars on Friday night.

The idea formed part of Operation Treacle — Greater Manchester Police’s annual response to increased levels of anti-social behaviour over the Halloween and bonfire night period.

Ros and Jack Wharton, aged 67 and 70, from Kearsley, took part in a ride-around on Friday evening, between 6pm and 8pm, and patrolled the Kearsley, Stoneclough, Prestolee and Ringley areas.

Mrs Wharton said: “We jumped at the chance to see things from the police’s perspective.”

In one incident, officers stepped in to stop a gang of youths from vandalising a parked car with sticks.

“We didn’t see any major problems but we were impressed at just how fully and how quickly the area can be covered. We went around the area twice in two hours,” said Mrs Wharton.

As well as local residents, community crime fighters and police partners from Bolton Council were invited on the patrols.

Sgt Steve Baldam, from the Bolton South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It was really positive and an opportunity for people to see the work we do. We hope it gave people a valuable insight and understanding into how their town is policed.”

Other ride-arounds took place in Little Lever, Great Lever and New Bury.

Operation Treacle is a partnership campaign between GMP, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the Health and Safety Executive, Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and chambers of commerce.

The campaign is designed to highlight the dangers and possible consequences of anti-social behaviour, particularly the misuse of fireworks, during the Halloween and bonfire night periods.

People can log on to safe4autumn.com for safety advice or details of organised bonfire events.

pkeaveny@theboltonnews.co.uk

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