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'We respect your views'

Bethan Dorsett
16/ 5/2008

EVERYDAY problems from inconsiderate motorists blocking driveways to smokers flicking cigarette butts on the pavement are to be targeted in a campaign aimed at bringing respect back to the streets.

Police in Sale are turning their attention to the offences which may seem petty but can often irritate residents the most.

But before they start, they want to hear your views about the main issues affecting your area.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative, Inspector Brendan O’Brien said: "During the neighbourhood forums, we are given several examples of offences which may not be serious but cause concern.

"It could be a person who lets their dog foul on the pavement without cleaning up the dirt or littering on the pavement.

"Obviously we have to focus our attention on serious criminal activity, so our answer to these people has often been we’re not saying we’ll never tackle it but not yet.

"Over the past few months I feel we have got criminal activity, such as burglary, under control.

"While we have to keep the pressure on the criminals, I now feel we can be a little more flexible."

He added: "I was particularly inspired with something I saw the other evening.

"I was out on patrol when a man just walked towards me and flicked a cigarette butt on the floor. It showed a complete lack of respect both to the community and to the Queen’s uniform. We gave him a £50 fixed penalty notice."

Insp O’Brien hopes to assign an officer to each ward, which they would blitz for up to four hours with no warning given beforehand.

The operation is expected to involve officers from other sections of the force, such as traffic police, and agencies like the council.

It is hoped to send a strong message to the people who have got away with such offences for so long.

"There will be no friendly warnings this time," said Insp O’Brien.

"If they fail to show respect to the community maybe a £50 to £80 fine will serve as a reminder."

Before the operation starts, Insp O’Brien is keen to hear from residents willing to give a list of the main offences they see on a regular basis.

Email Insp O’Brien with any concerns about your community at brendan.o’brien@gmp.police.uk or write to him at Sale Police Station, Tatton Road, Sale, M33 7ED.

READERS can write to the letters page with views about the ‘respect campaign’ or what problems they want addressed by emailing news@metro-news.co.uk or write to us at Manchester Metro News, 24 School Lane, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RG.