Police promise increased patrols around The Strand after resident reports verbal abuse

Police have told a Kirkholt resident that patrols will be increased around The Strand and Kirkway following a reported incident involving a man begging and verbally abusing her last week.

The resident said she received a positive telephone call from police on Monday afternoon after reporting the incident at The Strand.

According to the resident, officers said they intend to speak to staff at two shops in the area as part of efforts to identify the man involved. If he can be identified, police indicated that appropriate action would be considered.

The resident said officers also told her that police are taking this type of behaviour seriously and intend to increase patrols around The Strand and Kirkway.

The response will be welcomed by residents and businesses concerned about antisocial behaviour in the area. The Strand is an important neighbourhood hub used by families, shoppers and people accessing local community facilities, and residents should be able to use the area without feeling intimidated or being subjected to abuse.

Begging itself and antisocial or abusive behaviour are not necessarily the same thing, and people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship should not automatically be treated as offenders. However, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusive behaviour can be reported to police, particularly where somebody feels unsafe.

The reported incident remains an allegation and Rochdale Daily is not identifying the man involved. No suggestion is made that he has committed a criminal offence unless and until police establish the circumstances and take any appropriate action.

Anyone experiencing threatening or abusive behaviour can report it to Greater Manchester Police. Where there is an immediate danger or a crime is in progress, residents should call 999.