CSM EDITORIAL

Rochdale was a once a very proud town. It became a centre of the North’s woollen trade. By the early 18th century it was described as being remarkable for its many wealthy merchants. In the 19th century it became a mill town and centre for textile manufacture and was a leading town in the Industrial Revolution. The aristocrat and poet George Gordon Byron was Lord Byron of Rochdale.

However, mention the town today to the average Brit and they’ll bring up the grooming gang scandal of recent years, which Theresa May, then Priti Patel and next Suella Braverman have tried to resolve after the failures by police and local Labour officials who, in fear of seeming racist, refrained from cracking down on Pakistani heritage gangs who were grooming and raping young white girls.

Which is why everyone should watch “The Detectives – taking down an OCG” on BBC iPlayer.

Based in Rochdale, this 3-part real-life series covers the dismantling of a notorious local gang known as the Adam OCG (Organised Crime Group). The case is passed to the able Detective Sergeant Martin Soutter and his small team of Greater Manchester Police specialist officers.

Soutter decides to launch an operation with the aim of bringing down the entire gang. Souter’s team uncovers a sophisticated criminal network involved in major drug dealing, widespread grooming of children to deal drugs, witness intimidation and suspected money laundering. At the head of the gang is a vile individual who hasn’t paid any tax in his life, drives fast cars and lives in an expensive house, sending much of his winnings over to Pakistan and laundering the rest through businesses including a cheesy-looking kebab house.

The short series shows the tenacity, empathy and bravery of the police involved, particularly Soutter (who deserves a knighthood). It’s a positive tale about a town that knows it’s wounded but has the guts to get back on its feet. The series is exactly the kind of television the BBC should be focusing on, so congratulations to them too.

Very impressive.

Well worth a watch.

And RIP Cameron Brooksbank. You will know his name when you watch the series.