New neighbourhood police sergeant for Hulton and Rumworth ward

The latest Hulton and Rumworth Partnership and Communities Together (PACT) meeting was held at St Andrew’s Church on Crescent Avenue.

A full house attended to mark the transition between Greater Manchester Police neighbourhood sergeants.

Sgt Oliver Cooper is leaving the ward beat after almost three years in the role and 13 years policing in Bolton.

His replacement will be Sgt Mike Dixon, who brings two decades of policing experience to the area.

The regular meeting to discuss issues that matter to residents provided the perfect opportunity for residents to “say goodbye to Sgt Cooper as he moves on to a new role outside of Bolton, and also say hello to Sgt Dixon who is taking over”.

The event attracted local councillors, members of the public, police officers and Police Community Support Officers.

Many of them paid tribute to Sgt Cooper’s service to the community.

One resident told the meeting: “We’ve had a long string of absolutely superb officers looking after our community, and we look forward to more of the same from Sgt Dixon.”

Officers from Hulton an Rumworth’s neighbourhood team. (Image: GMP)

Addressing residents, Sgt Cooper reflected on his time in the role and his long association with Bolton.

He said: “It’s been a brilliant nearly three years in this job and we’ve achieved a lot together.

“It feels a bit strange to be leaving Bolton after 13 years, but it’s fantastic to see such a great turnout this evening and to have the chance to say farewell properly.”

Sgt Dixon said he was looking forward to building on the work already being carried out in Hulton and Rumworth ward.

He said: “I hope to bring some different ideas to the role while continuing the brilliant work that’s already happening here.

“I have 20 years of policing experience and I’m looking forward to working closely with residents, partners and local officers in the months ahead.”

The meeting also included an update on neighbourhood policing activity and ongoing issues across both wards.

In Hulton ward, officers discussed concerns about incidents involving underage drinking and antisocial behaviour from children.

The meeting also heard about reports of e-bike related issues, with Sgt Cooper emphasising the importance of proactive policing.

In the ward of Rumworth, residents received an update on the Thornbank Estate, where fewer reports have been received following recent action.

Locals also heard about work taking place at a housing hub aimed at helping residents gain qualifications and integrate into the community.

Police said they were continuing to assist with closure orders targeting stores selling illicit goods after concerns were raised by residents.

Officers also reported that issues relating to drugs and anti-social behaviour had improved since June, although work remains ongoing.

Neighbourhood Watch representatives used the meeting to encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity.

Those at the meeting were told that community intelligence remains vital to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, with officers stressing that residents would “never be criticised” for reporting behaviour they believe to be suspicious.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Sgt Cooper for his service and a warm welcome to Sgt Dixon as he prepares to lead neighbourhood policing efforts in the area.

Operation Coronation was launched last May on the Thornbank Estate off Deane Road in Deane after repeated reports of drug crime and vulnerable people being exploited.

Police say that by working with Bolton Council and housing provider Be One Homes, they have cut crime by nearly 30 per cent and incidents by nearly half.

There were two closure orders for flats in the area that were linked to crimes and drugs, while another three were closed through tenancy action or voluntary surrender.