This morning I met with Chief Inspector Trevor Harrison from Oldham Police Station today to discuss concerns raised with me about youth violence and knife crime following a number of high-profile incidents in the constituency.
The data shows there has been a recent spike in knife related incidents, though broadly it appears to be following the same path as the previous years.
Throughout my near 20 years in public service in Oldham there has always been an undercurrent of ‘turf battles’ between different areas, and that this can spike into serious incidents. This appears to explain the most recent incidents and I am pleased the police have an operation, codenamed Operation Cayman to address this, so far identifying around 25 young people involved, or on the edge of criminal activity.
It is vital we set out the path crime can take, and how young people can get drawn into trouble and quickly escalate into crime and the justice system. For too many opportunities and inspiration is in short supply and it is for all of us to work to put this right.
I am concerned that young people are being brought into criminality and the justice system through drugs and gang related activity. The control and use of drugs in the community is a constant battle, and it is important we address it with the seriousness it deserves. Beyond this, the whole system must work together and ensure young people do not fall in between the gaps, and I’ll be doing more work on this in the coming months.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 