Operation Tetbury helping transform Rochdale town centre as crime falls by more than 25 per cent

Crime and anti social behaviour in Rochdale town centre have fallen significantly during the first year of Operation Tetbury, with police saying the project is helping to change perceptions of the town while supporting wider regeneration.

New figures show overall crime in the area fell by 25.8 per cent between April 2025 and March 2026 compared with the previous 12 months.

Speaking to Roch Valley Radio, today, Monday morning, Inspector Meena Yasin said the project is about far more than enforcement and is focused on making Rochdale a safer, cleaner and more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Statistics released by Greater Manchester Police show neighbourhood crime fell by 34 per cent during the first year of the initiative, while anti social behaviour reduced by 31.8 per cent and retail crime fell by 30.9 per cent.

Serious violence dropped by 4.1 per cent and sex offences reduced by 4.3 per cent. Recorded modern slavery offences also fell sharply from 14 to one. Meanwhile, recorded drugs and weapons offences increased by 20.2 per cent as officers carried out more proactive work targeting offenders.

Operation Tetbury was launched using the Home Office Clear Hold Build model, a long term approach designed to tackle crime and disorder while creating lasting improvements in communities.

Speaking in an interview with Roch Valley Radio, Inspector Yasin explained that the project takes a different approach to traditional policing.

"We've done what we call a Clear Hold Build. The methodology was devised by the Home Office and the idea is to utilise the building blocks of neighbourhood policing to really problem solve an area in its entirety."

Rather than concentrating on individual incidents, addresses or offenders, the operation looks at what she described as the "totality of threat" affecting an area.

"We've tried to devise a totality of response. The idea is partnerships working together."

The first phase focused on Drake Street and the surrounding corridor leading from Rochdale Railway Station and Metrolink stop into the town centre.

Inspector Yasin said the route is often the first impression visitors receive when arriving in Rochdale.

"Every single commuter, every single visitor to Rochdale town centre that comes by public transport sees that area first."

At the start of the project, police believed the condition of the area and the criminality associated with some premises were damaging perceptions of the town.

"Drake Street was quite intimidating for people. The way in which it looked, the way in which it presented itself actually put off commuters."

Working alongside Rochdale Council, trading standards and other agencies, officers visited every premises in the area and examined the issues affecting businesses and residents.

The operation resulted in five closure orders being secured on premises linked to criminality, alongside enforcement action targeting illicit tobacco sales.

However, Inspector Yasin stressed that the long term aim is not simply to close businesses.

"What we want is our high street to be thriving and flourishing. What we don't want is vacant premises."

She said closure orders are temporary measures designed to stop unlawful activity while allowing legitimate businesses to succeed.

"What we want are premises that are utilised legitimately."

The operation has seen police and partner agencies work closely with landlords, business owners and organisations including Rochdale BID to encourage appropriate investment and sustainable businesses in the town centre.

Inspector Yasin said the approach is about ensuring problems do not simply return after enforcement action has taken place.

"Normally what we do in policing is we do a warrant and then we go. What we look at now is what are we going to do with those individuals, what are we going to do with that address and what are we going to do with that business premises."

One area of focus has been tackling the illegal tobacco trade.

Inspector Yasin said some businesses had used concealed compartments and hidden spaces to store illicit goods.

"Yes, they have been using concealed compartments. They have been using areas and spaces in ways which are unsafe."

In some cases, officers found traders moving stock away from premises and storing it in vehicles parked elsewhere in an attempt to avoid detection.

The operation brings together Greater Manchester Police, Rochdale Council community safety teams, trading standards, environmental health, housing enforcement and other agencies.

Inspector Yasin believes that partnership approach is the key reason behind the results seen during the first year.

"It's just working together in partnership to make our town centre, to make our high street a lot safer, a lot cleaner and a lot better for future investment."

The figures also show stop and search activity reduced by 37 per cent over the year.

Inspector Yasin said that reflected a move towards more targeted and intelligence led policing rather than large scale stop and search activity.

At the same time, the increase in drugs and weapons offences reflects officers identifying more offenders and taking action against them.

Police have also been monitoring nearby areas including Heywood, Littleborough and Middleton throughout the project.

Inspector Yasin said preventing crime from simply moving elsewhere remains a priority.

"What I wouldn't want is to shut a shop in the town centre for it to open 300 metres down the road."

According to police, there is no evidence that crime or anti social behaviour has been displaced into neighbouring areas during the first year of the operation.

Beyond the crime figures, Inspector Yasin believes one of the most important changes has been in how people view Rochdale town centre.

She pointed to increasing positivity surrounding town centre events, regeneration projects and public spaces.

"We've got people that say Rochdale town centre looks really good. I went to this festival, I went to this event and it was really good."

She contrasted that with comments commonly seen online in previous years.

"We had to adjust what we think is normal for Rochdale. We need to be proud of what Rochdale is and raise the bar as to what is normal for Rochdale."

The operation has run alongside major regeneration projects around the town centre, including development around the railway station, new housing schemes and public realm improvements.

Inspector Yasin said the policing operation and regeneration projects complement one another.

"If you look at Rochdale train station now, if you look at the top of Drake Street, you can see the regeneration taking place."

She added that people visiting Rochdale should be able to see visible signs of investment while also feeling safer in the area.

Operation Tetbury has now entered its second phase, with attention turning towards the Yorkshire Street corridor.

Police and partners are continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour, begging, street drinking and other issues affecting the area while building on the progress already made.

For Inspector Yasin, one of the most significant aspects of the project is that it is being delivered through everyday neighbourhood policing rather than large-scale specialist operations.

"It's myself, a sergeant, two PCs and two PCSOs that work the area."

She believes the model could be adapted elsewhere.

"For me, this kind of model can replicate anywhere on any high street, on any problem and any large area."

Last week the project received national recognition after winning the Best Safety, Security and Resilience Scheme award at the Town and City Management Industry Awards following a submission by Rochdale BID.

The judging panel praised the project's innovation, partnership working and positive impact on the town centre.

As Operation Tetbury moves into its second year, Inspector Yasin says the focus remains on long term improvements rather than short term interventions.

"There is more to do, but we are committed to building on this progress to ensure Rochdale town centre remains a safe and welcoming place for residents, businesses and visitors."