Officers targeted anti-social behaviour in Rochdale and beyond during Bonfire Night clampdown

Friday, 7 November 2025 11:04

By David Murphy

More than 2,000 emergency calls fielded and 27 arrests made across Greater Manchester as GMP warns ‘we’ll be knocking on doors’

Greater Manchester Police made 27 arrests, seized weapons and confiscated more than 140 fireworks as part of a wide-ranging operation targeting anti-social behaviour on Bonfire Night.

Dubbed Operation Treacle, the force-wide response saw over 500 officers deployed across the region between Halloween and 5 November. On Bonfire Night alone, 350 incidents relating to fireworks were reported, up from 203 the previous year.

In total, GMP logged 798 incidents across the Halloween and Bonfire period, with 4,500 incident logs created by 11pm on 5 November, an 11% increase in demand compared to 2024.

Despite the spike in calls, fewer anti-social behaviour (ASB) offences were reported this year. Police believe this may reflect both increased community awareness and enhanced patrol efforts.

Three dispersal zones were enforced in Bolton, Gorton and Rochdale using Section 60 powers, allowing officers to stop individuals and seize items to prevent serious violence or public disorder.

In Rochdale, neighbourhood officers were on high alert throughout the night, assisting in hotspot patrols and supporting Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service teams to safely manage bonfire activity.

A number of serious incidents were recorded elsewhere in the region. In Stockport’s Brinnington area, police and fire crews responded to reports of gas canisters being thrown into a bonfire. In nearby Offerton, a group of young people were caught setting off fireworks at passing cars. Officers confiscated the fireworks and issued warnings.

In Marple, a fire was deliberately set near a war memorial using wooden pallets and a litter bin. The incident caused damage to the surrounding ground and is now under investigation by local officers, who are appealing for witnesses.

Fireworks were also reportedly aimed at officers in Bury. Although no injuries were sustained, Chief Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle condemned the act, calling it “completely unacceptable”.

He added:

“Our officers work tirelessly to protect and serve the public, and they should never be subjected to this kind of behaviour. We had an enhanced policing presence in place and our teams responded quickly and decisively to keep people safe.”

GMP also reported a spike in emergency calls, with 2,093 calls made to 999, up from 1,875 the previous year. Despite the increase, the average response time remained just four seconds. Non-emergency 101 calls also rose slightly, but waiting times fell to 47 seconds compared to over a minute last year.

In addition to arrests and dispersals, GMP conducted 46 stop and searches and seized an uninsured vehicle involved in ASB.

“Several investigations are now underway,” said Chief Supt Ruffle. “Those responsible can expect a visit from us in the coming days. We remain committed to tackling anti-social behaviour all year round.”