Operation AVRO returned to Rochdale with Early Morning Arrests, Warrants and High-Visibility Patrols

Friday, 21 March 2025 15:45

By David Murphy

Roch Valley Radio joined officers from Greater Manchester Police on Thursday 20 March as a major day of action rolled back into Rochdale as part of the monthly Operation AVRO.

The borough-wide crackdown saw police teams carry out early morning warrants across Heywood, Middleton and central Rochdale – with more than 20 people arrested by 9am. Officers uncovered imitation firearms and sophisticated cannabis farms linked to organised crime and drug supply.

From the start of the day at Heywood Sports Village, GMP teams were joined by specialist units, including Roads Policing, the Mounted Unit, and plain-clothes officers, who targeted known offenders. Warrants were executed at 15 separate addresses, and 40 arrests were made.

The Roads Policing Unit carried out vehicle checks on Queensway throughout the day, identifying motorists who were not paying due care and attention on the road. Offences included driving while using mobile phones.

Police seized over £50,000 worth of suspected criminal assets, recovered two imitation firearms, and shut down two cannabis farms.

Officers were also out in force on foot – using knife arches and patrols on key parts of the Bee Network tram line and Rochdale Interchange. One wanted suspect was detained thanks to intelligence-led stop checks.

In Freehold, Operation Affect continued its focus on tackling local drug supply and anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, Operation Vigilant targeted illegal vapes and money laundering, and Operation Dragster took place in the evening to deal with off-road bikes causing problems on the moors.

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis from GMP Rochdale said:
“This day of action is a chance for us to show the community what we’re doing all year round to keep people safe. With support from across the force, we’ve made real progress tackling the issues that matter most to residents.
“We’re really grateful to everyone who shares information with us – it makes a big difference.”

Operation AVRO is GMP’s monthly crackdown on local crime, focusing on a different borough each time.

Roch Valley Radio followed officers on warrants and patrols throughout the day. You can hear more in our news bulletins and interviews on-air and online.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.