A week of action in Cheetham Hill's 'Counterfeit Street' has left the area feeling 'like a ghost town', police say. Three people were arrested, a number of drugs and vehicles seized and nearly two dozen people fined as officers and council officials flooded the area as part of Operation Vulcan.
The crackdown was launched in a bid to rid Cheetham Hill and Strangeways, the country's capital in the sale of fake goods, of 'serious and organised crime', which they say is linked to the trade.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say they were this week 'out in full force disrupting the counterfeit trade in the area.'
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"With the majority of illegitimate shops unable to open out of fear that their fake goods would be seized, the streets were a lot quieter, allowing officers to spend time engaging with members of public and gathering intel" they said.
Three people were arrested two on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and one for possession of class A drugs. A total of 255 Class C tablets were seized along with two vehicles, and six e-scooters. Whilst one drug user was given a care plan referral.
Officers were also joined by Manchester City Council parking wardens, members of the blue badge fraud unit, and representatives from Biffa Waste management.
A total of nine parking fines and 13 fixed penalty notices for waste offences were also issued.
Inspector Andrew Torkington, one of GMP’s specialist officers involved in Operation Vulcan said: “These days of action go a long way to help make the local area safer.
"By being out in the community front and centre, we’ve been able to show everyone what we’re here to do and achieve. As always, this isn’t a one off, and Operation Vulcan will be here in 2023 targeting every level of criminality in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways.
“Counterfeit clothing funds criminality, at home and abroad. It contributes to the deprivation of the area, the waste that is scattered across the streets is so prolific because these illegal premises have no trade waste accounts, so throw their rubbish onto the streets.
“Feedback from members of the community and legitimate businesses continues to be overwhelmingly supportive, and they are the reason we are undertaking this activity - to support everyone who has had enough of this behaviour and the devastating impact it is having on their livelihoods.”
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