Operation Vulcan add one more person to Santa’s naughty list

In the spirit of Christmas, the Operation Vulcan team spent the day patrolling in Cheetham Hill and speaking with members of the community. Whilst doing so, they took the time to deliver some Christmas cards to the illegitimate stores littered around Bury New Road.

As they slid a card underneath the door of one shop, officers noticed a man further down the road rushing to close the shutters, attempting to evade detection.

After an initial search, the man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to distribute counterfeit items. The arrest then prompted a search of the property.

At first glance, this looked like any other counterfeit store, but once inside, officers found themselves faced with three levels crammed full of fakes, secret doors, and unstable floor to ceiling shelves.

Officers, who have just finished bagging the items two days later, seized an approximate 40 tonnes, ranging from clothes, to bags, to perfume. After consulting with brand experts, they confirmed the items to be counterfeit. Around £10k has also been seized which has suspected links to money laundering and serious organised crime.

Colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance conducting various safety inspections of the property.

This image shows their 'fire escape' situated on the top floor. No stairs - just rope.

This joint action forms the latest in Operation Vulcan’s mission to crackdown on the sale of counterfeit and the criminality and violence it brings to the area.

Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood who is heading Operation Vulcan said: “This is exactly why Operation Vulcan was established. These criminals are so brazen in nature that the moment we turn our backs they act as though it’s business as usual.

“Working with our partner agencies, we are doing everything we can to build a resilient community, and my team will be relentless in pursuing criminality in the area and helping those most vulnerable and at risk of exploitation.

“This is our pledge; Operation Vulcan will not rest until these illegitimate shops pack up or are shut down - one by one.”