Crime tumbles as Operation Coronation concludes in Rumworth
The initiative leads to significant reduction in crime and new community centre opening
Operation Coronation, a proactive initiative aimed at curbing crime and boosting community safety, has ended in Bolton's Rumworth area, leading to a marked decline in criminal activities.
Launched in May last year, Greater Manchester Police say the operation targeted persistent issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug-related crime, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals on the Thornbank Estate.
Working in collaboration with Bolton Council and housing provider Be One Homes, the operation employed a clear-hold-build model to systematically achieve a safer environment.
The efforts have yielded notable outcomes.
Over the past 15 months, crime rates dropped by nearly 30%, and the number of incidents saw an almost 50% reduction according to the operation’s evaluations.
There was a significant increase in stop searches, complemented by initial increased arrests, which later decreased reflecting the decline in criminal activities and a shift towards prevention.
In tandem with celebrating these achievements, the initiative also marked the opening of the new Urban Care and Neighbourhood (UCAN) centre on the estate, courtesy of Be One Homes. This new facility aims to maintain the positive momentum by providing a dedicated hub for community operations.
Sergeant Oliver Cooper of Bolton's Neighbourhood Team described the operation as pivotal in boosting public confidence and safety.
"This operation has been significant in increasing public confidence and safety," Cooper said.
"Ensuring people feel safe amongst their own homes and communities is the main focus of neighbourhood policing, and it's been incredibly rewarding to see the impact this operation has had for residents and overall community well-being. I'm truly proud of my officers and teams for the immense work they've put in for this operation.
"Their commitment and dedication to this work has had visible results and had an extremely positive impact amongst the public. The operation has transformed a high-demand estate, protected vulnerable people, disrupted crime, and most importantly, delivered meaningful and lasting change."
Bolton Council Leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman commended the partnership’s efforts.
"This is a great example of partnership working to ensure residents of the Thornbank Estate can live in a safe and secure community that they can be proud of,” Zaman said.
“The success of Operation Coronation lies in the right mix of engagement and cooperation while also taking tough direct action where necessary. The support available at the UCAN centre will ensure this positive work will continue into the future.”
Gemma Hotchkiss, Enforcement Manager at Be One Homes, also praised the collaborative achievements: "We’re committed to working in partnership to address antisocial behaviour and improve the quality of life for our residents.
"The progress made through Operation Coronation shows what can be achieved when organisations work together, alongside residents, to tackle issues that matter to local communities. We’ll continue to support residents and work closely with Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council to ensure neighbourhoods remain safe and welcoming places to live."