Another Day, another counterfeit shop shut down

This week, the Operation Vulcan team and representatives from Manchester City Council have been meeting with landlords in the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways area to clamp down on privately owned properties being leased out to illegal enterprises.                                           

Historically, before Operation Vulcan was established, police would raid a property and seize tons of counterfeit items, but days after, the shop would be back up and running as if nothing had happened. Operation Vulcan’s targeted, multi-agency approach means this can no longer happen.

Operation Vulcan’s team of specialist officers are working closely with dedicated partners to make sure any properties which are being used illegitimately have closure notices issued and regular checks to make sure they are complying.

Colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also attended to inspect the property and served the landlord a prohibition notice, meaning the property could not be used in any capacity until the relevant safety improvements had been made.

Detective Sergeant Matt Donnelly of Operation Vulcan said: “Operation Vulcan is tackling serious organised crime in the area and the last eight weeks has seen major disruption to every level of criminality in the area.

“An integral part of this operation’s success is engaging with members of the local community, which is most effective when we work with our partners, and the closures this week are an example of our multi agency approach in action.

“We want to work closely with local landlords and businesses to restore Cheetham Hill and Strangeways to the thriving hub it once was, making it a place for legitimate businesses to prosper.”

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “I am incredibly proud of the recent work that has been carried out in Cheetham Hill. The Council, working with Greater Manchester Police and other valued partners has been making huge strides in cracking down on the illegal activity and anti-social behaviour which is a blight on this community.  

“However, Operation Vulcan is about more than just enforcement. It’s about building back a sense of unity in the area. Working with business owners and landlords we want to show that Cheetham Hill can be a place for businesses to thrive and that once rogue traders are kicked out, they’re kicked out for good.” 

David Minto, Fire Safety Group Manager at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police on Op Vulcan and our Fire Safety Officers are conducting fire safety inspections within the premises they’re raiding. Our fire safety inspectors attended this property and deemed it so unsafe that an immediate prohibition notice was serviced to prohibit the first floor of this building. Together we’re working hard to rid Greater Manchester of this illegal and dangerous activity that blights communities.”