Response to calls for Police Authority action

Date published: 09/01/2008

Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) has issued the following statement following calls for a Greater Manchester-wide initiative to stop scrap yards purchasing lead.

Russell Bernstein, GMPA’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: "We know from the mechanisms which help us scrutinise Greater Manchester Police (GMP) that criminal activity is constantly monitored.

"When problems are identified, appropriate responses are put in place. This may be at a divisional, force-wide or cross-border level. In the cases where the support of GMPA is needed in such responses, the systems we have in place ensure this support is accessible.

"GMPA is satisfied these techniques are effective and are ensuring the side of business which the Force has responsibility for, i.e. the delivery of operational police activity, is achieving success.

"In terms of the lead theft issue, officers in places including Trafford and Rochdale have already staged operations which have delivered good results and I understand more are planned for the future.

"However this does not mean we will be complacent. Police Authority members welcome all comments from local communities and residents can be reassured we listen and want to respond to their concerns.

"We will monitor progress on the issues raised so we can then take an informed view on any need for additional support from GMPA and partner agencies."

Rochdale Lib Dem MP Paul Rowen called for action in respect of the lead theft issue. He praised the action of Rochdale officers in dealing with the issue and urged Greater Manchester Police Authority to support a wider initiative to reduce the problem further still.

Mr Rowen plans to take the issue to parliament and ask the Home Secretary to increase the deterrent to offenders.