Police crackdown on anti-social behaviour, drinking and drug-taking in Ashton

A Tameside police operation has cracked down on street drinking, drug use and other anti-social behaviour.

The crackdown was launched in June, with funding providing extra patrols across Ashton and surrounding areas identified as having repeat offences, including local transport hubs and shopping spots.

Officers target these areas at peak times to put a stop to the incidents.

July, August, and September saw a range of results in Ashton town centre, including 12 arrests, 28 stop-searches, 33 public space protection order warnings issued, and 30 reports responded to. 

August reported 30 incidents of anti-social behaviour, while September recorded just 10.

The operation has meant more patrols have been targeting the issues that the public care about and ensuring that criminals and anti-social behaviour are stopped in their tracks.

As part of anti-social behaviour week, on Wednesday, neighbourhood officers in Ashton town centre secured two arrests on suspicion of possession of a Class B drug, which resulted in street cautions.

Further cautions were issued for someone smoking cannabis in public, while other people were provided with words of advice.

Sergeant Rob Froggatt, from GMP’s Tameside district, said: “People want to see officers out and about in the community, engaging with the public, and locking up those who disrupt their lives. Our operation is delivering exactly that.

“We know and appreciate just how much anti-social behaviour can disrupt people’s lives – whether it’s people taking drugs in public or intimidating people in town centres – and our work is designed to crack down on exactly those sort of offences.

“In addition to our own work, we liaise closely with partners in the community, including local charities and services, to ensure we stop ASB from progressing into more serious offences. Likewise, by conducting preventative engagement work, we can stop the offences from ever happening.

“If you are having issues with ASB, I would urge you to get in touch with your local team, who will be best-placed to offer advice and support on the issues you are having.”