Locals launch street patrol in Failsworth to combat crime wave shaking the town
The Oldham town has been subject to a spate of home break-ins over the past few weeks, and residents have decided to form their very own safety team to protect their community.
Failsworth neighbours have banded together to form a ‘street patrol’ in an attempt to crack down on the rising crime in the area.
The Oldham town has been subject to a spate of home break-ins and burglaries over the past few weeks, and residents have decided to form their very own safety team in order to protect their community.
A fundraising campaign launched to kit out the volunteers already raked in over £1,000 – offering them essential supplies to watch over the neighbourhood effectively.
15 men and women have all signed on so far to participate in daily patrols – supported by a transit van (with 360-degree search lights CCTV on-board Wi-Fi) and dogs.
The group already has more than 2,000 followers on social media – with residents commending the work they’ve been doing to defend Failsworth.
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“We do not approach anybody and we social distance at all times,” said a Failsworth Patrol representative.
“We are here to be a deterrent and prevent crime before it happens. We report directly to GMP should we feel the need too or if an offence has actually took place.
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“What this means for Failsworth [is] fewer calls to GMP, less crime, figures drop, house prices rise and premiums drop.
Founder of the watch, Paul (his surname will remain confidential), says there has been a noticeable drop in crime since the patrols set foot on the streets.
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“We had to start this as we know our emergency services are overstretched and in demand,” he stated.
“The whole community has backed the scheme asking if they can donate fuel and leave us snacks to keep us going.
“Since the start, we have noticed that there hasn’t been any incidents in the area and the community are feeling safe.”
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Failsworth Street Patrol have emphasised that neighbours should always call the police if they are victims of crime, with the group set up to watch over people rather than enforce the law.
Reps stated: “…the idea is to deter potential offenders from the Failsworth area by making it known that people are out and about watching over the people and property, giving a greater chance of reporting crimes quickly and capture by the police.”
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Failsworth Street Patrol are continuing to watch the roads whilst hoping to hit £5,000 in donations.
When they reach this target they can become a registered charity – which ‘will open up so many opportunities for [them] as a community.’
“We have a motto in Failsworth,” says founder Paul.
“True worth never fails.”
Learn more about the patrol team doing surveillance on Oldham streets by visiting their social media page.
News
UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
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News
Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Manc -
1st October 2020 
