Police Meet Residents In Derker For Day of Fun

Operation Vulcan descended on a local park in Derker for a fun-filled day aimed at improving community confidence in police.

Oldham Council held the event at Stoneleigh Park as part of the Easter Holiday activities. 

The event organised by Friends of Stoneleigh Park gave the team from Operation Vulcan, local neighbourhood officers and Police Community Support Officers a chance to chat with residents and children. 

Young people got the opportunity to meet officers, have a tour of their vehicles and test out the blue light systems, try on uniforms, and learn about the role of the police in protecting them. 

Interactive stalls and games were also available where attendees could find out more about GMP’s specialist teams, equip them with life skills and crime prevention advice, and increase their understanding of policing. 

Detective Superintendent, Jen Kelly, from Operation Vulcan said: “We know the lasting impact contact with the police can have and it’s so important that we get it right.  

“By hosting community events like this, we hope to break down barriers with young people and ensure they can avoid falling victim to crime or exploitation by opportunistic criminal gangs who often seek to recruit young people. 

“I’d like to thank all those who came along and spent time speaking to us. This was our first event in Derker since we launched our latest operation, which aims to tackle crime in the area, and it was great to see it so well attended by local children and families. 

“These kinds of events can often be the perfect way for us to engage with the community we serve in a fun and positive way, helping increase trust and confidence in us.  

“We had some really positive and valuable feedback from residents about the work we’re doing to tackle issues locally and this proactivity will continue.” 

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture added: "It was great to see the Operation Vulcan Team out in action at Stoneleigh Park, as neighbourhood policing is about so much more than tackling crime.  

“This team is building relationships and really getting to know people in the area, building that trust and growing understanding. 

"Open communication, particularly with young people, about the work they do is vital to help people avoid crime and exploitation, so, I'm glad to see the Vulcan Team already off to a great start in that regard." 

Since launching the operation in March 2025, the team has made over 30 arrests, seized a dozen vehicles and e-bikes and busted drug lines. 

This comes in the same week of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing guarantee - the announcement on April 9 included a Home Office commitment to fund 176 new frontline officers, on top of the 670 officers already serving local policing teams across 10 districts. 

Operation Vulcan taskforce is working with partners and the community itself to drive down crime and combat the causes to prevent further harm.