Police in Tameside highlight importance of receiving intelligence from local communities when fighting crime

Response and Neighbourhood officers from Ashton-under-Lyne acknowledge the importance of intelligence received by members of local communities after locating and stopping a vehicle believed to be engaged in criminal activity.

GMP received the intelligence from a member of the public via the 101 service, that detailed the activities of two men allegedly engaged in drugs offences within their neighbourhood. Acting on this intelligence, a vehicle was located and pursued by police, after the driver and passenger were identified.

During the pursuit, the vehicle being driven by the suspects, drove directly at the officers before mounting the pavement to avoid a head-on collision.

The suspects driving the vehicle were both arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, dangerous driving and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. A large amount of cash and several mobile phones were seized from the vehicle.

The two men have been released on conditional bail, while investigations continue.

PC Sara Pearson of the Tameside division said: “We would like to thank the public who came forward with this information, which led us to locate the two individuals and enabled us to open a criminal investigation.

“It’s extremely important for us as a force to receive this intelligence from community and neighbourhood members, as they are the ones who sometimes live close to criminal activity and have a unique perspective of what is going on around them.

“Our priority is keeping people and property safe and we will always act on any intelligence that we receive. If you feel that there are criminal activities taking place in your neighbourhood, then please dial 101 or speak with us via the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk.

“You should always dial 999 in an emergency.”

Alternatively, members of the community can engage via Bee In the Loop, which is a direct line to the neighbourhood policing team in each district within Greater Manchester. Just sign up to beeintheloop.co.uk to receive free text or email alerts to keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community.