Additional officers to tackle community crime in Wigan

Neighbourhood Policing in Wigan is being boosted by eight officers working to tackle local priorities.

The additional officers are strengthening Neighbourhood Policing Teams, which provide a dedicated policing service that fights crime and listens and responds to the needs of communities.

GMP’s Wigan Division is unveiling the officers as part of the Home Office’s ‘Not In My Neighbourhood Week’ campaign, which began on Monday 13 October.

The extra resources have been secured after a three-year deal was struck by Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) with the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities earlier this year.

Six officers have been allocated to provide assistance to the Pemberton Neighbourhood Policing Team while two have been assigned to tackle crime and provide community reassurance across the West Leigh area.

Chief Superintendent Lee Bruckshaw of GMP’s Wigan Division said:

“These extra officers are already making a real difference to Wigan’s communities by tackling crime and addressing the issues that are important to local people.

“We are proud to work with our communities to keep Wigan safe, and I would remind people that they can play their part in fighting crime by signing up as a Homewatch co-ordinator or special constable.”

GMPA’s Wigan representative, Councillor Charles Rigby, added:

"Greater Manchester communities told us they wanted more officers on the beat and that's exactly what we delivered. The officers were funded through the police portion of the council tax bill as part of a three-year deal with local council leaders. Neighbourhood Policing Teams make a massive difference to Greater Manchester communities, and I believe the deal we made shows that the police authority, the Force and local councils are committed to continued investment in them."

For further information contact: Max Bowie, GMP Public Relations Officer, on 0161 856 2761 / 2284 or 07979 706797.