POLICE STRENGTHEN LINKS WITH COMMUNITIES

Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Leigh have been visiting local residents as
part of an ongoing drive to increase public confidence in the police.

Officers talked to residents in the Leigh West area last week.

Police community support officers and representatives from Wigan Council
and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service encouraged residents to tell
them about any issues causing concern and asked if they would like to
receive regular updates on what is being done to resolve local problems.

If interested, householders will be consulted on how they would like to
receive information, such as newsletters, public meetings, by phone or
through radio updates.

In addition, officers handed out packs containing home security items such
as door and window alarms and energy-saving light bulbs. This was done as
part of Operation Storm, Greater Manchester Police's crackdown on burglary
across the region, where residents are urged to pass on information that could lead to arrests. Anyone wishing to make a report should either call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Residents also received key rings giving Neighbourhood Policing Team
contact details, Crimestoppers leaflets, a list of useful phone numbers for
council departments and information on how to work for the police as a
volunteer, either as a Special Constable, Home Watch coordinator or member of an Independent Advisory Group.

PC Andy Doran of the Leigh West Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

"Neighbourhood Policing is all about engaging with the community and making
sure residents know who to speak to should they have any concerns about
crime or anti-social behaviour in their area. We are dedicated to putting
police officers right at the heart of communities so they can respond to
concerns at a local level and improve residents' quality of life."

Police across Wigan borough are now delivering the Policing Pledge, giving
people a clear minimum standard of service they can expect from their
Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

They are asking residents for their input to ensure that the service is
focused on the needs of local communities and addresses the issues that
matter most to people. Find out more at gmp.police.uk/pledge

For further information about policing in Wigan and Leigh, visit

gmp.police.uk/wigan