Hundreds of clothing items seized by police from counterfeit shops in Manchester have now been donated to a local charity that works to “combat poverty”.
The initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Operation Vulcan’.
In case you’re unfamiliar with ‘Operation Vulcan’, it’s Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) mission to crackdown on the sale of counterfeit goods and hit the finances of the gangs operating out of the Cheetham Hill and Strangeways areas of Manchester.
It comes after hundreds of raids have been carried on counterfeit shops in the area over the last 14 months, with thousands of tonnes of counterfeit items removed from the streets from criminal’s pockets, who police say were “once making millions of pounds of profits from this lucrative trade”.
GMP says a “top priority” for ‘Operation Vulcan’ was to “minimise waste” and make sure the counterfeit items seized were “put to better use”.
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#NEWS| Operation Vulcan donate repurposed counterfeit clothing to local charity.
Over 900 tonnes of counterfeit items have been repurposed or recycled, turning them into useful, safe products which the people of Greater Manchester can benefit from.
And so, by working with a specialist company, almost 1,000 tonnes of counterfeit items have since been repurposed or recycled, and subsequently turned into useful products which the people of Greater Manchester and beyond can benefit from.
To give an example of this, police say some of the hats, t-shirts, and gloves made from safe materials were de-branded and then given to charities and local community organisations.
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Items that were deemed unsuitable or unsafe have been shredded to create completely new items, such as bedding or blankets, and even the packaging and boxes that the items are sold in are able to be recycled into insulation for houses.
None of the counterfeit items seized during ‘Operation Vulcan’ go to waste, GMP insists.
Police have donated hundreds of seized counterfeit clothes to Manchester charity / Credit: GMP
Just this week alone, GMP’s dedicated ‘Operation Vulcan’ team donated hundreds of items of clothes to a local charity called Mustard Tree – which works to combat poverty, inequality, and homelessness in Manchester.
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“The community and their needs are at the heart of Operation Vulcan,” explained Inspector Dan Cullum, who is one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers, “and the fact that we have been able to repurpose and recycle everything and give it back to those in need really makes a difference.”
Harry Dwan from the Mustard Tree added: “This donation is gratefully received and will now be provided to those who need it most such as those sleeping on the streets, low-income families and those who are most vulnerable in the community.
“We can’t thank Tim and the Operation Vulcan team enough.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
12th December 2023 
