Concerns raised about police resources in Denton West

Police have responded to concerns raised by residents about the number of officers covering the Denton West area. 

During an online Q&A with Greater Manchester Police's Denton neighbourhood teams, one resident claimed that Denton West has the least number of beat officers - one Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and one Police Constable (PC) - in Tameside and that it's disproportionate to the size of the area. 

"Residents have lost confidence, they don’t see the point in reporting incidents when the police don’t turn up," they added. 

Another said Denton West is "arguably one of the biggest targets", as it sits alongside two other council areas, as well as the M60 and M67 motorways and the A57, and asked when the area will "get the much-needed police resources we've been promised". 

In response, an officer said that all areas of Tameside have the same amount of resources when it comes to responding to crimes and incidents.

"All areas have the potential to be a target and further resources are allocated on the basis of reports and level of reports to the police," they continued.

"This is then taken into consideration and resources are allocated. Further to this, many specialist teams do assist in this area during their tour of duty where demand allows. With them being in plain clothes/cars it is highly likely that residents will not see officers.

"GMP are regularly recruiting officers. However, the neighbourhood team are not in control of where resources are placed. This is done at senior leadership levels by all districts." 

'Repeated stabbings' 

Another resident asked police what is happening with regards to 'repeated stabbings' in the area near to Lidl, which is on Ashworth Street. 

They said: "Me and my girlfriend live on the same road and it’s quite worrying." 

In response, police said they were unable to comment on an ongoing investigation or individual cases but assured that there is no risk to the wider community and the matter is being "extensively investigated". 

Anti-social behaviour 

Another resident asked about the police's policy on prioritising patrols for PCSOs to be more visible in areas where there will be an increase in anti-social behaviour in town centres and local parks, as summer arrives and Covid restrictions ease further. 

The neighbourhood teams said that anti-social behaviour is a priority for PCSOs, especially with lighter nights and warmer weather approaching, and they will prioritise where to target. 

They also encouraged residents who witness anti-social behaviour to report it by calling 101 or visiting www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-b/report-antisocial-behaviour. 

Excessive speeding  

One resident said she never received a response to a complaint about excessive speeding by some drivers in 20mph areas in Denton - particularly on Ruby Street and Town Lane - and using mobile phones whilst driving is "still a problem". 

Police said that the neighbourhood team conducted an initiative last Sunday to combat speeding in that area and several vehicles were stopped, with drivers "strongly advised" about speeding. 

They also urged residents to contact Tameside Council at https://www.tameside.gov.uk/streetsandtransport who may be able to assist with clearer signs to make drivers aware of speed limits. 

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