Police say that tackling hate crime in Manchester's Gay Village remains the 'top priority' following four 'despicable' attacks on an adult store.
Clonezone, on Sackville Street, was attacked four times between March and May with the perpetrators approaching the store on a motorbike and then smashing up the windows each time. Nobody has been charged in connection with any of the four incidents yet, with 'fatigued' manager Richard Tropez telling the Manchester Evening News he is now a 'sitting duck for future attacks'.
But police say patrols have been stepped up in the areas around Canal Street and that the Village remains 'one of the safest places' in Manchester city centre. Ahead of Sparkle Weekend in July and Manchester Pride in August, officers say there has been a reduction in overall crime in the area this year compared to last.
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An investigation into the attacks on Clonezone remains open. Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins, of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Everyone is welcome to come to the Village and enjoy it for the wonderfully vibrant place it is.
"I would like to reassure the community that we have the resources available to ensure people are safe in the Village. We have conducted numerous high-visibility patrols and used plain clothed officers through the evenings to ensure the night-time economy remains a thriving environment, and we will continue to use these tactics.
"Hate crime in the Village remains our top priority. We know that statistically hate crime remains relatively low however we encourage members of the public to feel confident in reporting hate-related crime and this is our city centre focus within our overarching Village plans.
"With regards to the incidents at Clonezone, we are investigating several lines of enquiries, we have made arrests and will continue to do so whilst the investigation remains open and are working closely with our partners to ensure public safety and confidence across the Village."
Councillor Sam Wheeler, Piccadilly Ward Councillor, said: "Events like this understandably cause concern to the many people, across Manchester and beyond, who feel the Gay Village is a rare place where they are safe to be themselves. Since the initial incident we have had several very successful events in the Gay Village, supported by GMP and other partners, showing the tremendous resilience of the community. The City Council is committed to this unique cultural and social space.
"As both its representative and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I would urge people to continue visiting, supporting and enjoying this unique neighbourhood, and to continue to work with us to make sure everyone can do so safely."
Phil Burke, chair of the Village License Business Association (LBA), added: “We are working closely with GMP and other agencies to bring the culprits to justice. I must thank the Neighbourhood Policing Team for the hard work they’ve done and continue to do so on the investigation behind the scenes.
"It is despicable what has gone on, singling out a venue that has been in the Village for more than 30 years. CloneZone is a well-established brand known across the country.
"The Village is one of the safest places to come to in Manchester city centre. It is a vibrant community and will continue to be so for all."
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Police said the top three crime-types in the Village for both last year and this year are theft from person, other theft offences and violence without injury. Most crimes are committed in the early hours of Saturdays and Sundays between midnight and 4am.
Officers are urging people not to leave their devices unattended and to be aware of their surroundings.
If anyone has any information regarding the incidents of criminal damage, including CCTV footage, dash cam footage, contact GMP on 101 or via the GMP website using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
