Pubdate: Fri, 29 Mar 2002
Source: Oldham Evening Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: Oldham Evening Chronicle 2002
Contact:  http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1151

DRUG GANGS CRACKDOWN

HIGH-PROFILE police patrols are to be introduced in Glodwick in the run-up
to the local elections and in the fight against drug gangs.

Officers will be on the streets at all times of the day and night, checking
people and vehicles which are suspicious in the area.

Their message will be to assure residents that crime will not be tolerated
in any part of town in the run-up to the May 2 polls.

Chief Supt David Baines, the head of Oldham Police, has assured local
leaders that the profile will be high after members of the community asked
for more assertive policing.

He said: "There is a small but significant gang of people on the estate who
are attempting to stop policing taking place. Their reason is to ensure they
can engage in criminal behaviour, including drug dealing."

"The community has told us they want us to sort those thugs out. This is not
a race issue. The residents of Glodwick will receive the level of policing
required to return the estate to a standard of peace and tranquility
deserved by all."
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