Another 18 illegal shops have been shut down and over £6 million worth of counterfeit clothing has been seized by police.
Although a series of raids towards the end of February this year prompted Greater Manchester Police(GMP) to claim that “the end of counterfeit street” was closer than ever before, the Easter period has historically been one of the busiest times of year for shops selling illegal goods.
This is why the force says it has used “relentless action” over the last two weeks or so to target the illegitimate premises.
As part of the ongoing ‘Operation Vulcan’ – which is GMP’s 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 – a total of 18 shops have been shut down in 14 days, and over £6 million worth of counterfeit clothing has been seized.
GMP says this is “a huge loss of earning for the nefarious shop owners” and means millions of pounds have been removed from the criminal market.
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Dilapidated buildings littered with rat urine and faeces, dangerous homemade electricity, hidden weapons, and shops without proper means of escape are just some of the things police say they have encountered within the past couple of weeks.
Everything seized by police during the raids is soon be sent off to be repurposed and recycled, according to GMP, and will be turned into items to benefit the wider Manchester community – including coats, hats, insulation, and even energy for houses.
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Police shut another 18 ‘counterfeit street’ shops and seize £6m worth of fake goods / Credit: GMP
GMP says it will continue to target the remaining illegal premises.
“We have been relentlessly targeting these illegitimate shops, but we are aware of the few remaining units who are attempting to operate in the area,” explained Inspector Andy Torkington – one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers.
“We will be targeting these premises imminently and our investigations will continue as we seek out and arrest those involved [as while] we are seeing excellent progress in the area, and the feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly supportive, there is still more to be done.
“The criminality has been embedded into the area for decades, and we’re under no illusion that five months of relentless action will solve it.
“But these results show great strides in the right direction.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
10th April 2023 
