Key Takeaways
- Five people have been arrested in Oldham town centre after reports of disorder
- Police have been granted extra stop, search, and dispersal powers for 48 hours
- A Section 35 dispersal order and a Section 60 order are in place to help maintain public safety
- The orders allow police to exclude individuals from the area and search vehicles for dangerous items
- The measures are in response to similar incidents on Monday and last week in the town centre
Introduction to the Incident
The town centre of Oldham has been the scene of a significant police operation, with five people arrested after reports of disorder in the area. The arrests were made after police were granted extra powers to stop, search, and disperse individuals in the town centre. The decision to grant these powers was made in response to similar incidents that occurred on Monday and last week, which raised concerns about public safety. The police have taken a proactive approach to addressing the issue, with the aim of preventing further disorder and maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors.
The Section 35 Dispersal Order
A Section 35 dispersal order has been put in place in Oldham town centre, giving police the authority to exclude individuals from the area for up to 48 hours. This order, which began at 13:25 GMT, allows officers to issue a written notice to a person or group of people, requiring them to leave the area and not return for a specified period. The order is designed to help prevent further disorder and reduce the risk of harm to individuals and property. The police will be monitoring the situation closely and will take further action if necessary to ensure that the order is complied with.
The Section 60 Order
In addition to the Section 35 dispersal order, a Section 60 order has also been implemented in Oldham town centre. This order gives police enhanced powers to search vehicles and seize dangerous items or face coverings. The order, which is in effect for an initial 24 hours, allows officers to stop and search vehicles without the need for reasonable suspicion. This measure is designed to help prevent the carrying of weapons or other dangerous items that could be used to cause harm. The police will be using these powers to proactively target individuals who may be involved in disorderly behaviour and to reduce the risk of violence.
The Police Response
The police response to the disorder in Oldham town centre has been swift and decisive. The granting of extra powers to stop, search, and disperse individuals has given officers the tools they need to effectively manage the situation and prevent further incidents. The police have also increased their presence in the area, with a visible and proactive approach to policing. This has helped to reassure residents and visitors that the situation is under control and that the police are taking all necessary steps to maintain public safety. The police will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take further action if necessary to ensure that the town centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
The Importance of Public Safety
The incident in Oldham town centre highlights the importance of public safety and the need for effective policing. The police have a critical role to play in maintaining order and preventing disorderly behaviour, and the granting of extra powers in this case has helped to achieve this goal. The use of Section 35 and Section 60 orders demonstrates the police’s commitment to using all available tools to keep the public safe. The police will continue to work closely with the community to address any concerns and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By working together, the police and the community can help to create a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the incident in Oldham town centre has highlighted the importance of public safety and the need for effective policing. The police response to the disorder has been swift and decisive, with the granting of extra powers to stop, search, and disperse individuals. The use of Section 35 and Section 60 orders has given officers the tools they need to effectively manage the situation and prevent further incidents. The police will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take further action if necessary to ensure that the town centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. The community can be reassured that the police are committed to maintaining public safety and will work tirelessly to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
