Operation Vulcan dawn raids secure the arrest of three men following gang related burglaries in Cheetham Hill

Three men have been arrested this morning (Tuesday 7 February) after Operation Vulcan conducted a number of early morning warrants across Greater Manchester.

They have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remain in police custody for questioning.

The warrants this morning were executed as part of Operation Vulcan’s latest investigation into a burglary of two shops on Lockett Street in October which were housing over £1 million worth of counterfeit clothing.

Detective Sergeant Matt Donnelly, one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers, said: “Operation Vulcan is about so much more than raiding counterfeit shops, it’s about targeting every level of criminality that is happening in the area and protecting the vulnerable victims who are being exploited by this trade. After 12 weeks of relentless policing, our investigation is deepening, and we’re able to go after those higher up the chain.

“We’re not raiding these properties to stop people from getting a bargain, we’re targeting people who are involved in serious organised crime. Counterfeiting is just the tip of the iceberg, and with it comes a multitude of sinister criminality and violence. In this instance, it’s believed that the building had been targeted by a rival gang, and they’d gone to huge efforts to get inside.”