Good Afternoon everyone :) 

I hope everyone had a good weekend and ready to start another week in sunny Rochdale! 

You may have seen recent social media reports that there has been an increase in drone activities around prisons across the country. 

Criminals are using drones to try and smuggle prohibited items such as drugs , tobacco and mobile phones into the prison system. 

GMP are now working closely with staff at HMP Buckley Hall and would like to ask people who live in the locality or frequent the vicinity of Buckley Hall prison to report any suspicious behaviour or activities to the police straight away either 999 in a emergency or 101 & GMP Online “ report it tool ” for non emergencies. You can also report to us anonymously via the use of Crime stoppers - Crimestoppers-uk.org. 

Greater Manchester Police have a dedicated operation to disrupt , prevent and tackle serious organised crime linked to prisons. 

It is therefore really important that all information is reported into the police so that we can act on this and ensure that offender are brought to justice. 

What is a Drone??

Drones are formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV'S) and is essentially a flying robot which can be remotely controlled. Adapted drones may be used to attempt to convey illicit items into an area such as a prison. 

The pilot does not need t be in the local area and so is rarely reported by members of the public. 

Drones will usually be used at night as they are harder to see , however can be identified by a buzzing sound or flashing LED lights. 

Should you see or hear what you believe is a drone contact the police using the contact numbers provided above. 

We look forward to hearing from you :)