Tameside officers deliver results across the borough

Tameside neighbourhood officers are reflecting on positive results over the recent months they have spent keeping communities safe.

Neighbourhood officers continue to work to safeguard vulnerable people, tackle crime head-on and work alongside partners to address long-term issues affecting local communities.

One of the most significant successes came on 1 December, when officers uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm at an address on Ash Road in Droylsden, estimated to be worth more than £2 million. Following extensive intelligence gathering, including the use of drone-mounted thermal imaging, officers executed a warrant at 7am and discovered thousands of cannabis plants. Seven people were arrested, removing yet another illegal drugs operation from the community.

Earlier this month, the Tameside neighbourhood crime team also secured a charge following a series of burglaries across Oldham and Tameside. A 19-year-old man was charged with 33 counts of attempted burglary after being arrested on 9 December by PC Gilbert. Officers detained the suspect following reports of suspicious circumstances and a subsequent foot pursuit.

In Denton, neighbourhood officers responded to concerns raised by residents in Victoria Park, where issues included criminal damage, public order offences and general anti-social behaviour. Targeted patrols and engagement helped address these problems and reassure the local community.

However, crime-fighting has not been the only focus for officers during the festive period. Christmas cheer was briefly threatened when Santa’s sleigh broke down on the way to Tameside General Hospital, but neighbourhood officers quickly stepped in to help ensure young patients didn’t miss out.

Using tuck shop money raised by officers at Ashton Police Station, selection boxes, sweets and other gifts were purchased and distributed to children in hospital. Additional donations were kindly provided by B&M and Iceland stores in Ashton town centre. Thankfully, Santa did eventually arrive, making sure every child received a present and a visit to brighten their day.

The team’s work throughout the year has also included preventative operations and community engagement initiatives. As part of the Safe4Summer campaign, which ran from late June to the end of September, officers increased their visibility, conducted stop searches and gathered intelligence to prevent further incidents.

In November, neighbourhood officers visited schools across Tameside, including St James’ CE Primary School, where pupils learned about policing as part of their topic “People Who Can Help Us”. Officers also partnered with the Message Trust charity to deliver the No More County Lines Tour, educating young people about the dangers of exploitation through real-life stories and interactive sessions.

Further engagement took place in October, when officers teamed up with Foundation 92 to provide mobile youth provisions in known hotspots. The mobile hub offered activities such as games consoles alongside preventative messaging, aiming to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and towards positive opportunities.

Operation AVRO also returned to Tameside in September, resulting in 42 arrests for offences including drug and driving-related crimes. The operation involved early morning warrants, high-visibility patrols, traffic checks and community clean-ups involving local schools and Tameside Council. Two knives were recovered during the operation.

Chief Superintendent Chris Foster described the day as a “huge success”, adding: “By acting on intelligence received from our communities and partnership working, our officers can tackle the issues we’re told matter most to the people of Tameside, which include speeding, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.”

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