Nine people have been arrested as part of a joint operation targeting the counterfeit goods trade in the Cheetham Hill.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP), together with North West Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, the Intellectual Property Office, and its other partner agencies, have this week executed warrants and exercised powers to “fight, prevent, and reduce” crimes being committed in the north Manchester area.
Counterfeit goods and drugs were seized in “large quantities”, as well as a significant sum of cash.
GMP says the nature of the crimes being committed in Cheetham Hill have gone on to have an impact “locally, regionally and nationally”.
Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood said that the raids carried out this week are about “so much more” than the counterfeit goods trade that the area is known for though.
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#ACTION | Nine arrested during a joint operation targeting the counterfeit goods trade in the Cheetham Hill area of North Manchester.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 21, 2022
“The trade, which often involves organised crime groups, is strongly linked to money laundering and immigration offences, and we also know the area is a hotspot for sexual offences and traffic offences,” he explained.
“Too often unbeknownst to members of the public who buy counterfeit goods, they are often produced using poor quality materials and / or banned substances which put health at risk.
“Ourselves and our partner agencies are committed to ridding this area of criminal activity and will use all powers at our disposal and we will be taking proactive and robust action against this trade in Strangeways.
“Members of the public can be reassured that this is a priority for us.”
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Large quantities of counterfeit goods and drugs were seized, as well as a “significant sum” of cash / Credit: GMP
“The counterfeit goods trade isn’t a victimless crime,” added Detective Sergeant Adam Williams from the Police Intellectual Property Unit (PIPCU) at the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).
“Often criminals use the profits to fund other organised crime, and with that often comes violence, which can have devastating effects on the local community. The staff employed to run these counterfeit shops are often vulnerable people who are paid below the minimum wage, whilst the criminals enjoy lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of their crimes.”
“This week’s activity should send a clear message,” he added.
“We will stop at nothing to tackle this issue and it’s a priority we will continue to crack down on.”
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 -
22nd July 2022 
