Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says it’s closer than ever before to “bringing about the end of counterfeit street” after its most-recent raids.
You may remember that after decades of repeat raids to seize tonnes of counterfeit clothing and goods worth tens of millions of pounds, it was revealed back in October 2022 that several major premises on Bury New Road – dubbed ‘Counterfeit Street’ – were to be closed, compulsory purchased, and then flattened by GMP.
It’s all part of the police force’s ongoing ‘Operation Vulcan’ – a mission to crackdown on the sale of counterfeit and hit the finances of the gangs operating out of the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways areas of Manchester.
GMP says it’s had “amazing success in stamping out counterfeit stores” on the street as part of the operation over the last few months, but has “drawn closer than ever” to its end goal thanks to a series of recent raids.
It came after officers descended on Harris Street mid last week in a bid target what GMP says are some of the last remaining shops selling counterfeit goods in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways, and executed warrants on four buildings.
ADVERTISEMENT
They found a total of 12 units “masquerading as legitimate shops”.
Approximately 20 tonnes of counterfeit items were seized by police from the several premises, while officers from Trading Standards seized hundreds of illegal vapes from one of the units.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sergeant Daniel Cullum called these raids “yet another success for Operation Vulcan”, but added that “the work doesn’t stop here” and that investigations to “seek out and arrest those who have been distributing and selling counterfeit items from these units” are currently underway.
GMP says ‘the end of counterfeit street’ is closer than ever after latest raids / Credit: GMP
“The sheer volume of counterfeit items that we have seized this week is worth millions of pounds to criminal enterprises,” Sergeant Cullum explained.
“All these goods will now be re-purposed, recycled, and changed into usable items for the community.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We have had amazing success in stamping out these counterfeit stores, but there are a few units remaining units that are still attempting to operate in the area and we will be targeting these premises imminently.
“As the shops start to disappear, we will be targeting those higher up the chain who for so long have felt above the law and out of reach.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
1st March 2023 
