Police launch further investigation following a fifth attack on a Sackville Street shop

Clonezone, a shop on Sackville Street in Manchester City centre, was attacked yesterday afternoon (Sunday 10 September 2023) at approximately 2pm.

Initial enquiries into this incident suggest that two men approached the shop on a bike and attempted to smash the windows which are now protected by iron bars following previous attacks on the store, when this failed, they then threw an object at the doors and also at the security equipment which was placed on the outside the premises this has caused around £3,500 of pounds worth of damage.

Detectives believe from CCTV enquiries that the bike used in this attack is the same bike used in a previous incident in May 2023, and they are appealing for the public’s help in locating it.

The video shows the bike being used in the most recent attack yesterday (Sunday 10 September 2023).

Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Team, said: “So far, we have arrested a person but we know that there is someone out there who knows where this bike is and who it belongs to and we are urging them to reach out to us. 

“We appreciate that the images in the CCTV image are not of the best quality, but we are releasing them in the hope that someone was able to witness this attack and can come forwards with information.

“The attacks are very specific, with all five attacks showcasing the same style of offending to one specific shop, with offenders arriving on bikes and causing significant damage. We are keen to find out the motivations behind the attacks which will assist us with tracing those responsible and bringing them to justice.

“This is the fifth attack on this business in the last four months and this cannot continue. We are doing everything in our power to investigate the incidents whilst protecting the business.

“We have a dedicated specialist unit investigation in addition to patrols being conducted by neighbourhood officers, and we hope this goes someway to reassure the local community that we are committed to protecting the public.

“The neighbourhood officers who are out and about are approachable so please come and speak to us if you have any concerns or information that may help us.

"Community intelligence is crucial for us to focus these patrols in the right areas at the right times to catch individuals involved in crime so please report anything which appears suspicious and out of the ordinary to police.

“Crimestoppers is offering a £2,000 reward for information given to them directly that that leads to the arrest and conviction of any involved. This information can be passed anonymously through the Crimestoppers independent charity on 0800 555 111.

“Information regarding the bike or if you can identify the men in the image information can also be passed by calling officers on 0161 856 3345 or via 101.”