Police operation cuts Thornbank, Bolton crime by a third

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.

Sergeant Oliver Cooper from Greater Manchester Police’s Neighbourhood Team in Bolton said: “This operation has been significant in increasing public confidence and safety.

“Ensuring people feel safe amongst their own homes and communities is the main focus of neighbourhood policing, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact this operation has had for residents and overall community well-being.

The policing team on the estate (Image: GMP)

“I’m truly proud of my officers and teams for the immense work they’ve put in for this operation.

“Their commitment and dedication to this work has had visible results and had an extremely positive impact amongst the public.

“The operation has transformed a high-demand estate, protected vulnerable people, disrupted crime, and most importantly, delivered meaningful and lasting change.”

The operation was rounded off this week (Image: GMP)

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.

The operation was rounded off this week with the opening of a new UCAN centre.

Bolton Council Leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “This is a great example of partnership working to ensure residents of the Thornbank Estate can live in a safe and secure community that they can be proud of.

Officers helping clean up the estate (Image: GMP)

“The success of Operation Coronation lies in the right mix of engagement and cooperation while also taking tough direct action where necessary.

“The support available at the UCAN centre will ensure this positive work will continue into the future.”

Officers say they hope the opening of the UCAN centre will mark the end of Operation Coronation but the start of a new initiative to have a base of operations in the community.

Officers helped clear up the estate (Image: GMP)

Visiting the new centre earlier in the week, Cllr Ayyub Patel, of Rumworth, said: “The new UCAN hub will make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

“It brings support directly onto the estate, meaning residents no longer have to travel or struggle to access help with housing, money matters, employment, wellbeing, or community development.

“For many families, having this support on their doorstep is the difference between coping and falling behind.”

The operation focused on the Thornbank Estate (Image: GMP)

Police say their work disrupted organised crime, displaced suspects, and created a safer and more welcoming area for residents.

Stop searches have also increased since previous years, highlighting a proactive approach to tackling crime while arrests increased mid-operation, and have since decreased.

Officers say this shows how they have cut crime on the estate and moved to a more preventative approach.

A special day was held to mark the end of the operation (Image: Public)

Be One Homes enforcement manager Gemma Hotchkiss said: “We’re committed to working in partnership to address antisocial behaviour and improve the quality of life for our residents.

“The progress made through Operation Coronation shows what can be achieved when organisations work together, alongside residents, to tackle issues that matter to local communities.

“We’ll continue to support residents and work closely with Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council to ensure neighbourhoods remain safe and welcoming places to live.”