Police secure closure orders on Heywood properties in bid to tackle anti social behaviour

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 14:41

By Adam Clark

Officers in Heywood have secured three closure orders on properties in the last week as they continue to tackle criminality and protect vulnerable people.

The two partial orders are designed to prohibit people from entering the premises other than the tenant and support staff, while also ensuring the appropriate trigger plans are in place should any criminality be reported.

In the instance of the full closure order, it has been boarded up and will remain vacant until an appropriate date. The orders were made with assistance from GMP's legal services team.

The work comes as part of the Heywood neighbourhood team’s dedication to reducing anti-social behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable people within the community. This includes working with local partners in Rochdale Borough Housing, Guinness Partnership, and adult care at the council to ensure those people receive all the necessary support.

The local team have in particular been dealing with reported cases of 'cuckooing' in the Heywood area - in which vulnerable people are exploited and their homes are allegedly used for criminal means.

For example, this has seen people forced to use their homes to store drugs, often through threats and coercion.

In response, officers have secured various orders and warrants in recent months, in addition to the ones gained in just the last week.

Hotspot patrols, regular community visits, and close work with the community has also seen arrests, charges, and sentencings for offences including drugs, robberies, theft, and more.

Inspector Graham Cooke, from GMP’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are aware that some vulnerable people in our community are targeted by criminals in what is often known as ‘cuckooing’ – and which has meant their homes have been taken over for drug-related activities.

“We will never tolerate this disgusting exploitation and continue to work hard with all our local partners to safeguard those who we identify as most at risk. In addition, all of those responsible for such criminality are investigated and arrested with a view to charge.

“We will be seeking further closure orders over the coming weeks and will continue to target offenders who are blighting our communities. If you know of, or have any information relating to, anyone you believe is a victim of any criminality, please do get in touch with us.

"It could be something suspicious that you’ve seen or doesn’t seem quite right – all can help in our fight against crime."

You can contact police via 101 or GMP's Live Chat service.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.