Community day of action in Piccadilly Gardens as Operation Vulcan continue to show strength to criminals

Yesterday, (Monday 18 March), police and partners from Operation Vulcan were out in full force in Piccadilly Gardens to show the criminals they aren’t welcome.

Officers and partners – including Home Office Immigration Enforcement, British Transport Police, Transport for Greater Manchester MetroLink Inspectors, Manchester City Council Anti-Social Behaviour Action Team and rough sleeper team – pulled together to remove offenders and safeguard vulnerable people in the area.

Together, we’re committed to preventing crime and reassuring the public and local businesses that we are here to stay until Piccadilly Gardens has been transformed, and is no longer seen as a desirable location to commit crime.

The day brought some great results, taking Operation Vulcan’s figures since launching in September 2023 to:

• 152 arrests
• 47 Safeguarding referrals
• positive stop searches which have recovered drugs, weapons, and stolen items.

Operation Vulcan’s zero tolerance approach to crime has already resulted in successful convictions for drug dealers and thieves once operating in the area, and several banning orders are now in place. These Criminal Behaviour Orders stop certain offenders from entering the area, therefore preventing future crime and further harm, an effective tool to create long-term, sustainable change in Piccadilly Gardens.

Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood, who leads GMP Operation Vulcan said: “Our efforts remain ongoing, day in, day out, and this day of action is only an extension of that work. We’re working with partners regularly, bringing together a variety of skills, powers, and resources to target those intent on committing crime in Piccadilly Gardens, making Manchester safer for everyone.

“We’ve been working with businesses in the area to ensure that their staff feel safe in this environment, and feel confident reporting matters to us, knowing that they will be dealt with robustly. We’ve received positive feedback from the business community about our operation and proactive policing, and we will continue with this work as our operation goes from strength to strength.

“Yesterday was a great opportunity to talk to locals and listen to their concerns, and I would like to thank the public for their support so far with Operation Vulcan. We’re looking forward to seeing you all out safely enjoying Piccadilly Gardens throughout the coming months.”

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: "I've been pleased to see the positive work going on since the launch of Operation Vulcan in Piccadilly Gardens. We know that the area has the potential to be a terrific civic space for all our residents, but for that to become a reality we need to look at addressing some of the long-term issues and problems experienced there.

"Working alongside our partners in GMP, as well as other local agencies work is ongoing to ensure that vulnerable people in the area get the full support they need, whilst offenders who operate in the area are shown short shrift.

"Ultimately we want Piccadilly Gardens to become the safe, welcoming and well-used public space we know it can be."

If you are concerned about crime in Piccadilly Gardens or think someone may be a victim of exploitation, please call us on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.