VIOLENT crime in Oldham is becoming an increasing concern as shocking incidents are reported most weeks, a councillor has said.

Royton North representative Dave Arnott said nearly every week people are reporting car thefts, violent assaults and weapons offences.

He also mentioned a terrifying carjacking incident at the Tesco car park on Chew Valley Road in Greenfield shortly before 7pm on Saturday, November 13.

On that occasion, a woman in her 50s was threatened with a hammer by three men before her car was stolen by the gang.

Cllr Arnott revealed he has also been told about another disturbing carjacking involving a family.

He said: “I have been contacted by a large number of very concerned residents from across the borough who are appalled, shocked and frightened after a very serious incident was reported, where a group of masked men, armed with iron bars, followed and then proceeded to drive at the owner of vehicle, who was dropping off his young child, before leaving with his vehicle.

“At the moment, I only have the information that has been supplied to me by residents, but I have written to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police asking for an urgent meeting to discuss this along with a growing number of other very worrying incidents.

"I along with many other residents can see online the constant reports by residents in Royton but across the borough of rising crime.”

Only last month there was a spate of three armed robberies in two weeks in which CCTV pictures were released by police in a bid to catch the criminals.

Police were sent to Manchester Road in Oldham at around 6.50pm on Tuesday, October 12 after a 26-year-old man was threatened with a gun by a robber who demanded he handed over cash and his bank card.

Three days later on Friday, October 15, police were sent to Lees Village Service Station on St John Street just before 9.10am to a report of a gunpoint robbery.

A man approached the store, pointing what appeared to be a gun at staff members demanding money.

He then left with around £300 in cash.

Then on Monday, October 25 at around 10am, police were called to reports of an armed robbery at a shop in Town Square Shopping Centre in Oldham.

It was discovered that two men entered the shop before threatening staff with a screwdriver and leaving with cash.

No-one was injured but staff were left shaken.

The robbers left in a grey Suzuki Swift.

Images of a man wearing a Manchester United shirt have been released by officers in attempts to trace him.

Cllr Arnott added: “Members of the public have the absolute right to live in a safe and secure environment without the fear of crime, violence, antisocial behaviour or intimidation.

"I will continue to campaign for the right of all of our residents to live their day to day lives, without the fear of crime.”

Chief Superintendent Chris Bowen, who is Oldham's new district commander, is prioritising cracking down on violent crime.

He said: "I have a particular vision for the police service in Oldham and a clear strategy, part of which will look at how we tackle serious crime as I understand the concerns around this.

"The new strategy includes a list of clear priorities – respond to incidents and emergencies in a timely manner, investigate and solve crime, prevent and reduce crime, harm and anti-social behaviour, deliver an outstanding service and build public trust and confidence.

"We intend on increasing officers patrolling the various parts of the district being pivotal to ensuring we can succeed with our priorities.

"The force has recently invested a significant amount of money in additional fleet of vehicles, and we are looking forward to seeing our share here in Oldham, which in turn will increase our visibility across the district.

"Policing must be a partnership and as part of this on-going work, the Community Safety and Cohesion Partnership – made up of partners and support agencies – works to improve community safety for those living and working in the area.

"Working collaboratively with partners will help us support the vulnerable people within the community, identify those that pose a long-term risk and will inform how we police the area.

“We understand how distressing this type of behaviour can be and the lasting impact it can have on individuals, as well as the wider community.

"Through a number of different initiatives which are already in place, we are seeing a difference.

“Patrols have been deployed in hotspot locations, to target areas of serious violent crime which have been identified by the community and/or police.

"Officers utilise proactive enforcement, the use of stop and search powers – where appropriate, and also identify individuals who would benefit from early intervention work.

"By delivering on our promises we will reassure the public of Oldham that we are here to fight, prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe and care for victims.

“Please report any information or concerns to the police, whether this is through our website using LiveChat or online reporting at www.gmp.police.uk or by dialling 101.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Always dial 999 in an emergency.”