"Do some real policing," an onlooker shouts as police arrest three men on 'counterfeit street' in Strangeways. The building they enter is filled with counterfeit goods, from fake Gucci T-shirts to fake Givenchy perfume.
And while many consider shops selling knock off goods for the fraction of the real price a victimless crime, it is often just a front for much more organised, and serious, crime. Money laundering, immigration offences, drugs trafficking, sexual offences, just to name a few.
As we drove down Bury New Road towards Strangeways in a marked police car it was clear we were being watched. Eyes became fixed on our car and phones were quickly taken out before the shutters on most stores were pulled down to conceal what could be inside. Many of these could have been 'spotters', who are constantly on the lookout for the police or council so shops can quickly hide their crimes, and have been accused of intimidating other legitimate businesses and shoppers who are in their territory.
