Police are urging Salford residents to report anti-social behaviour after a spate of thefts, criminal damage, bin fires and firework offences in the Salford Precinct area.
Local officers have investigated a number of anti-social behaviour incidents over recent weeks involving young people around the Salford Shopping centre.
In a statement issued by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on social media, the force called on locals to be proactive in coming forward with information about criminal activity.
A spokesperson said: “There is a significant lack of reporting in the area.
“We are asking residents and the community to please report all incidents of anti-social behaviour to GMP by either calling 101 (or by) utilising GMP Online Report.
“All reports can be made completely anonymously.
“There is no requirement to provide any personal information – all information you provide to us is held in confidence and is completely confidential.”
In the year ending June 2024, the criminal damage and arson rate in Salford was markedly higher than the average for the Greater Manchester area with 11.96 crimes recorded per 1000 people, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
While Greater Manchester Police noted that “incidents have significantly reduced,” some Salfordians have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the Shopping centre area.
Resident Frances Backhouse meets her brother every week at Salford Shopping centre, and shared her worries, she said: “Salford Precinct is not bad in the day, but I definitely would not come at night.
“You do get a bit of anti-social behaviour, but you just have to ignore it and try not to get involved.”
She suggested that financial investment is needed to inject life back into the shopping centre area: “It could do with a bit of investment – a bit of a revamp. It is not as nice as it used to be here, the place has got a bit run down and there is not much for people.”
However, as police gear up to deal with anti-social behaviour at a particularly tricky time of the year, she continued, “I don’t feel like behaviour gets worse during Halloween.
“All we see is trick-or-treaters with their parents – we haven’t ever had any trouble.”
Credit: Edward Chadwick
Dylan Graham spent time homeless in the area before Christian ministry Victory Outreach offered him a way off the streets – providing him with food and shelter.
He believes those susceptible to anti-social behaviour need a sense of purpose and a support structure to deter them from committing crimes.
“Every area is broken from the lack of support, especially at this time of year when it gets colder.”
He said that people engaging in crime need intervention to help their situation improve: “People need to be directed somewhere – they need pulling out of the environment.”
Greater Manchester Police highlighted that work is being done to support young people engaging in criminal activity, adding: “As a result of the investigation into anti-social behaviour in the area, a number of young people have been identified.”
To date, one youth has been arrested and several other people have been interviewed under police caution, they said: “These young people have been referred to Youth Services for intervention work. The incidents have since significantly reduced.”
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