News

Cash reward offered after Gay Village shop Clonezone attacked AGAIN

This is the fifth attack on the shop now.

Daisy Jackson - 12th September 2023

A £2000 cash reward is being offered for information relating to the attacks on Clonezone in the Gay Village, after the shop was attacked for the FIFTH time.

The local business has been the victim of targeted attacks several times this year, with its windows smashed and its security equipment damaged.

GMP have described the attacks as ‘very specific’, with offenders always arriving to the Gay Village business on bikes and attacking the same shop in the same way.

Crimestoppers is now offering a reward if anyone can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved.

One arrest has already been made but the attacks on Clonezone have continued, with five in the last four months

The latest occurred in broad daylight – at around 2pm on Sunday 10 September – and caused £3,500 worth of damage.

Two men approached the shop on Sackville Street on a bike and attempted to smash the windows, which are now protected by iron bars. They then threw an object at the doors and at the security equipment.

CCTV has been released of the latest shocking vandalism as GMP appeals for the public’s help in locating the bike used.

The latest attack on Clonezone in Manchester’s Gay Village. Credit: GMP

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.

2023. In Manchester City Centre. In broad daylight. Again.

Solidarity with the team at @czmanchester 🧡

There is a £2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Details in the link below.👇🏻 https://t.co/x9CuRbA2DR
— Joe Nellist (@joenellist) September 11, 2023

“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.”

Featured image: GMP