On 2 January 2023, at around 16:30pm, Greater Manchester Police received a report of a sexual assault that happened in a field near Smallshaw Lane in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Tameside.

The victim, a woman in her 60s, was walking her dog in the field when she was approached by an unknown male. He has been described as a man in his 20's, of slender build and around 5 foot 10/11" in height. He is said to have been wearing all dark clothing, with a hood over his head and a snood covering his nose and mouth giving a partial view of his face.

Officers are following up a number of enquiries and are appealing for the public's help in identifying this man.

Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt said:

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"Our specialist officers are supporting the victim at this time and we want to do all we can to locate the offender.

"You will see officers out and about on foot over the next couple of days making enquires and offering reassurance to the community as we move forward with this investigation.

"It is believed that another member of the public was in the field at the time of the assault. If you believe you are this person, please do get in touch as you may be able to help us with our investigation.

"We appreciate that the description of the offender is very limited, however, we are hoping that someone may have witnessed this incident or may have information that can help us.

"If you were out on that evening in the area of Smallshaw Lane in Ashton-Under-Lyne at around 16:30pm - or you have any CCTV footage or information regarding this incident - then please contact GMP on 0161 856 9262 quoting Log 1896 of 02/01/2023.

"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111."

 

This morning (3 January 2022), officers from GMP's Economic and Cyber Crime team and Bury's Operation Challenger executed four search warrants of 2 vehicles and 5 properties in Radcliffe and Bury.

Subsequently, £15,000 cash as well as a number of high value designer clothes, goods and watches were seized and three males aged between 18 and 43 were arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences and Possession with intent to supply class B controlled drugs.

They remain in custody ahead of being questioned by officers from GMP's Money Laundering Teams.

Detective Inspector James Coles from GMP's Economic Crime Unit said:

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"This is an excellent example of partnership work and the result today shows that GMP is committed to tackling organised crime and stripping criminals of their finances.

"Operation Falcon specifically focusses on cash-based money laundering which costs the UK economy billions of pounds.

"This illicit cash often serves as the motivator for organised crime and we will do everything in our power to strip criminals of their finances and reinvest it back into communities across Manchester."

 

Anyone with information about suspicious financial activity can report it to us online through our online crime reporting form, or by calling 101. You can also report via our Live Chat service on our website: https://www.gmp.police.uk

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detectives investigating violent sexual assault of care home resident in Oldham appeal for information, as suspect remains in custody

At around 2.40am on the morning of (Sunday 1 January 2023), officers were called to reports of an unknown male at the premises in Shaw.

When officers attended the scene, an elderly woman was taken to hospital after further reports of a serious sexual assault and assault.

A 21-year-old male named as Jake Astley was arrested at the scene and has been taken to custody for further questioning.

After conducting extensive enquiries at the care home, the scene is now closed.

All residents on the premises are currently safe and are being supported.

Superintendent Phillip Hutchinson of GMP's Oldham district said:

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"Specialist officers are currently supporting the victim and her loved ones at what is undoubtedly a difficult and distressing time, and they are assisting with our investigation.

"We understand the effect this will have on residents, families, and staff at the care home and the wider community.

"We deployed a number of uniformed officers and specialist officers to the scene today to carry out investigative enquiries. Our officers will continue to patrol around the local area to provide reassurance to the residents, their loved ones, and the local community.

"Alongside our criminal investigation, we are working with Oldham Council and partner agencies to ensure the safeguarding and security of residents.

"If anyone has any further information, they can share about this incident then please contact GMP on 101 or report via the GMP website's reporting tool: www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 661 of 01/01/2023.

"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

 

Support available for rape and sexual assault

Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester.  We offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages.  Services are available on a 24-hour basis and  can  be accessed by telephoning 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives.  Call us on 0161 273 4500 or email us at help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

The government and Active Travel England has today, Monday 2 January, announced £32.9m of funding for England.

Greater Manchester will receive just under £3.4m from the Capability & Ambition Fund – 10% more than its initial allocation following a high-quality bid submitted to Active Travel England in autumn 2022.

This revenue funding is for one year and is to support our infrastructure programme by helping everyone in GM walk, wheel and cycle more.

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

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“This funding announcement is a vote of confidence in Greater Manchester’s plans for active travel.

“In November, I launched my refreshed mission for active travel – to ensure walking, wheeling and cycling is possible for everyone. This new funding will be used across the region to further develop active travel work in 2023.

“From helping increase cycle hire facilities to building a comprehensive and cohesive pipeline of high-quality schemes, and also to ensure there is better publicity to ensure people can use existing active travel routes.

“I look forward to working with the Mayor, local authority leaders, the Transport Commissioner and community groups to continue the work that has been underway to make Greater Manchester the best place in the country to walk, wheel and cycle.”

 

Police say that Cheetham Hill has been left like a ghost down after multiple raids intent on bringing an end to the culture of counterfeit goods traders linked to the area.

This week Operation Vulcan were out in full force disrupting the counterfeit trade in the area, with the help of the North Tutor Unit, MCC civil enforcement (parking wardens), blue badge fraud unit, and Biffa Waste management.

With the majority of illegitimate shops unable to open out of fear that their fake goods would be seized, the streets were a lot quieter, allowing officers to spend time engaging with members of public and gathering intel.

Alongside some fantastic proactive community engagement, the day delivered an array of great results:

Three arrests made, two on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and one for possession of class A drugs

255 class C tablets seized

One care plan referral for a drug user

Two vehicle seizures

6 e-scooter seizures

9 parking fines issued

13 fixed penalty notices for waste offences

£4,000 of fixed penalty notices

Inspector Andrew Torkington, one of GMP's specialist officers involved in Operation Vulcan said:

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"These days of action go a long way to help make the local area safer. By being out in the community front and centre, we've been able to show everyone what we're here to do and achieve. As always, this isn't a one off, and Operation Vulcan will be here in 2023 targeting every level of criminality in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways.

"Counterfeit clothing funds criminality, at home and abroad. It contributes to the deprivation of the area, the waste that is scattered across the streets is so prolific because these illegal premises have no trade waste accounts, so throw their rubbish onto the streets.

"Feedback from members of the community and legitimate businesses continues to be overwhelmingly supportive, and they are the reason we are undertaking this activity - to support everyone who has had enough of this behaviour and the devastating impact it is having on their livelihoods."

 

This week, GMP's Operation Vulcan has repurposed and recycled around 40 tonnes of counterfeit clothing they’ve seized since the creation of Operation Vulcan in October this year (2022). This comes as part of a partnership with an organisation who are able to repurpose these items and turn them into something that will benefit the community. For example, the cardboard has been turned into hay for horses, and the counterfeit clothing has been shredded, turning the fibres into household items - anything unsafe has been destroyed.

People often overlook the severity of counterfeit clothing, perceiving it as a victimless crime. Unfortunately, counterfeiting is just the tip of the iceberg, and simmering below is a much more sinister network of criminal activity, with links to exploitative immigration, modern slavery, and serious organised crime.

GMP’s specialist team of officers making up ‘Operation Vulcan’ have encountered victims of these crimes in their daily patrols in the area, and with the help of a range of local agencies, they’ve been working tirelessly to provide them with the right support.

The multi-agency action plan is targeting six key areas detailed below:

Sexual exploitation and modern-day slavery

The cost of exploited labour in Cheetham Hill means it’s cheaper for businesses in Greater Manchester to transport dirty plates from miles to be cleaned by exploited workers. There’s also a well-established trade in sexual exploitation of women and girls on the streets of Cheetham Hill.

Exploitative immigration

The last 12 months has seen a significant increase in the use of kidnap as a tool to demand payment for illegal immigration. Many people with illegitimate immigration status fall victim of serious crimes, but out of fear of deportation, they rarely report this exploitation to the police.

Young men are being forced to stand on street corners dealing drugs or acting as spotters to close the shops when they see police. Staff working in the counterfeit shops are being paid far below the minimum wage, or not paid at all, working long hours, with some properties even having mattresses as they’re open 24 hours a day.

Money laundering

Much of Cheetham Hill operates on a cash only basis which is then funding serious criminal ventures, including terrorism. So far, Operation Vulcan have seized over £180,000 of cash from these illegitimate businesses.

Serious and violent crime

Intelligence suggests there are 33 organised crime gangs operating in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways. These gangs are bringing serious and violent disorder to the area, with many incidents linked to drug dealing and burglaries.

Drugs

This area is locally referred to as ’the market’ with the increasing illegal sale of prescription drugs. Recently, a single operation in November resulted in the recovery of over one million tablets of illicit prescription medication.

The dangers these are posing to vulnerable members of the public are devastating. Buying prescription medication on the street can have significant risks as they can contain higher or lower dosages, a completely different drug altogether, or sometimes contains no active drug at all. Sometimes, the drugs being sold are several times more addictive than heroin, and national patterns indicate the death rate is likely to increase unless action is taken.

Working with partners, Operation Vulcan vow to clean up these streets and revive Cheetham Hill and Strangeways.

Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood, who is leading Operation Vulcan, said:

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“We’re in the early days of our fight in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways but already we’re receiving some really positive feedback from members of the community and local, legitimate businesses. For too long, criminals have run riot in these streets, living lavish lifestyles at the expense of vulnerable people, and my team will bring a stop this.

“These first few months have been about disrupting the trade of the illegitimate shops and educating the public of the dangers of shopping here. Not only are the items they’re selling unregulated, the buildings are falling apart, infested with rats, but they’re manned by volatile workers who have weapons stashed and are ready to lock the doors at any given moment, no matter who’s inside.

“From day one, we can already see a difference. 2023 will see an intensification of Operation Vulcan, and we will be targeting every level of criminality in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways, by any means possible.”

 

The Asset Detention and Recovery Unit, part of GMP's Economic and Cyber Crime Unit have forfeited over £3 million this tax year consisting of criminal funds following a forfeiture of over £300,000 at Tameside Magistrates court today (Tuesday 6 December).

The Asset Detention and Recovery Unit deal with the seizure of all cash and listed assets for example watches, cash and precious metals by conducting civil investigations that arise following these seizures with a view to forfeiting the assets at court.

The team work on the balance of probability where they prove through a thorough civil investigation that the money seized comes from or is intended to be used for crime. This ensures that the money seized does not get returned to criminals to spend in organised crime networks and further violence in Greater Manchester. The money successfully forfeited is sent to the Home Office and through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme, GMP get just under 50% back to fund community projects and policing initiatives.

Where does the money come from?

In September 2022, £8,000 worth of cocaine and £29,828 in cash found in search after two men were arrested in Salford for possession of class A drugs
In March 2022, the Economic Crime Unit executed a warrant in Norden, Rochdale in connection with money laundering and the supply of class A drugs. £26,060 found in cash at the address. The occupant was arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A and has since pleaded guilty.
In August 2022, a delivery driver was stopped in Rochdale. A police dog searched the van and found a package in the rear of the vehicle. £58,650 in cash was found inside a shoe box wrapped in plastic.
In August 2022, following reports of assault police attended an address in Wigan, officers found a large quantity of Class A drugs, along with large quantities of steroids and human growth hormones along with £55,140 in cash.
Where does the money go?

Through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme run by the Home Office, part of the funds recovered by the Economic Crime Unit will be returned to Greater Manchester Police, to help pay for further asset recovery work and to fund community projects. 

Some of the projects include:

£70,000 to the Fitton Hill Bulldogs Community Sport Centre in Oldham to purchase an additional disability hoist within the clubhouse building, complete pitch drainage of 1 full size rugby pitch and 1 full size football pitch and will support pavilion refurbishments and strengthen external security provisions at the site.
£50,000 pounds has gone to the GetAwayNGetSafe (GANGS) project which delivers early intervention aimed at young people to challenge attitudes towards gang culture, knife carrying and social responsibility. This has already been implemented at 20 schools in Moss Side, Wythenshawe and Longsight and due to its success, the funding is being used to roll this out across further areas.
Non-profits which benefit a large number of people can apply for a maximum of £20,000 to fund 12 months' activities. The activities must support GMP's objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims. More information about ARIS funding applications here: Giving back: Investing in our community | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Detective Sergeant Sarah Langley of GMP's Asset Detention and Recovery Unit said:

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"Although we're very pleased with this result, the fight to strip criminals of their finances doesn't stop here. My team will continue to work diligently behind the scenes to remove criminal proceeds from the hands of those who seek to profit from criminality. By using all powers available to us through the Proceeds of Crime Act allows us to successfully disrupt criminal networks by targeting them where it hurts the most – their pockets"

Detective Superintendent Joseph Harrop of the Economic and Cyber Crime Unit, who is the Force Lead for Asset Recovery said:

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"This latest milestone demonstrates how, in line with our public promises, we will seize more assets from criminals. We continue to focus on forfeiting criminal assets to utilise their finances for a much better purpose.

"I would like to reassure the public that any information reported to us is dealt with in complete confidence and will be followed up meticulously. I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support in sharing information with our unit which helps us successfully disrupt criminal networks."

 

Anyone with concerns or information about suspicious financial activity, should report to police online, if able, at www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Keep up to date with the team's successes and for more fraud prevention advice follow the Economic Crime Unit's dedicated Twitter account -@gmpfraud.

An online auction set up by Manchester music legend/Stone Roses bassist Mani ,and his wife Imelda Mounfield, has raised over £80K for The Christie Charity and https://www.stockport.nhs.uk/charity - two charities close to the couple's hearts.

The online auction was launched at a fundraising event held at Kimpton Clocktower Ballroom Manchester on Friday, November 18th, which also raised £24K bringing the total to over £100K.

Friends from the world of music, sport and entertainment donated an incredible array of exclusive items to the online auction hosted by Adam Partridge Auctioneers, which ended on Thursday, December 1st. 

Some auction highlights included Noel Gallagher's framed and signed set of six platinum discs for the album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? which went for an impressive £8K. Guitars donated by Damon Albarn, Arctic Monkeys, Primal Scream, Foo Fighters, Peter Hook, and The Who were all up for sale, with the highest bid going to John Squire's Jackson Pollock-inspired painted and signed Hofner guitar 3/3 for a whopping £16,800!

Liam Gallagher's 2022 NME award for 'Music Moment of the Year' sold for £4,100. 

David Beckham's signed boots he wore for the last match of his career, on May 18th 2013, for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), were sold for £6,800.

Imelda and Mani would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came along to the event and all those who bid online for the auction.  

Imelda was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in November 2020. Part of the fundraising campaign has been about raising awareness of this devastating disease. Cancer spread to her liver and a small nodule in her lung. She underwent emergency life-saving bowel surgery as it perforated. After months of treatments, Imelda had the right side of her liver removed. She is currently waiting for the next stage of treatment.

Louise Stimson, head of fundraising at The Christie Charity, said: 

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"We're really touched that Imelda's experiences as a patient have spurred her and Mani into action for our charity, helping us provide more support to patients like her."

Karen James OBE, chief executive for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

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"We're hugely grateful to Imelda and Mani's efforts in organising the fundraising event and auction. We're proud of the care Imelda and many others with cancer have received at Stepping Hill Hospital. This fundraiser for our charity is a really touching display of her thanks, which will help us go on to support more patients in the future."

Imelda adds: 

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"Both charities have supported me through my journey. "Cancer affects not just the person who has it, but everyone around them, and I hope that by investing in some more research, we can help alleviate some of the devastation caused to families."

The Account Freezing Order Team, consisting of 10 staff in total, 6 officers 4 support staff was created in September 2021 and has grown from strength to strength in recent months.

The team was created with the sole purpose of tackling organised crime and recovering funds for victims of crime.

Since April this year, the team have successfully forfeited £4,804,739 in criminal funds as well as recovering an additional £2,302,963 which has been successfully returned to victims, the money of which was suspected of being taken in fraud offences.

Echoing the success of Operation Falcon, GMP's dedicated operation to disrupt cash-based money laundering, Greater Manchester Police have launched Operation Nest-egg which is a dedicated operation to identifying illegal funds in criminal bank accounts, adding another tool to strip assets from criminals.

The recovered funds forfeited are reinvested back into the community through initiatives through the Asset Recovery Incentive Scheme (ARIS). The funds have been used to fund a range of projects and has recently seen just over £70,000 to go to Fitton Hill Bulldogs (FHB) Community Sport Centre in Oldham. The funding will be used to purchase an additional disability hoist within the clubhouse building, complete pitch drainage of 1 full size rugby pitch and 1 full size football pitch, to support pavilion refurbishments and strengthen external security provisions at the site.

Just over £50,000 is going to Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, a voluntary organisation who are available 24/7 to provide professional rescue services, the money will be used to pay for a new van and life-saving equipment.

Through ARIS, over £50,000 will be funnelled into the GetAwayNGetSafe (GANGS) project, just one of many community led programmes which will benefit from the recent forfeitures. The project delivers early intervention aimed at young people to challenge attitudes towards gang culture, knife carrying and social responsibility. ARIS funding was successfully granted in 2021 to pilot the initiative across 20 schools in Moss Side, Wythenshawe and Longsight and due to its successes, the funding is being used to roll this out across further areas.

Detective Sergeant Ben Miller from the Account Freezing Order Team said:

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“These community projects are only a handful of the incentives that the money goes towards. We continue to endeavour to take money from the hands of criminals and instead fund community projects that benefit the public and the community.

“We will not allow Greater Manchester to be a safe haven for illicit funds and will continue to crackdown on criminals who believe that they can reap the benefits of their criminality. We will ensure that they are stripped of their finances by using all powers that are available to us under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”

 

Temporary Detective Superintendent Joseph Harrop, the lead for Operation Nest-egg said: 

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"Our Economic and Cyber Crime Section are dedicated to disrupting organised crime and dismantling networks involved in financial crime.

"The work we do can often take months of investigation before we reach a point where we are able to forfeit criminal proceeds. It is important that this work is highlighted to show members of the public that our team continue to work diligently behind the scenes to successfully part criminals from their cash. We are then able to redistribute this money back into the community so people across Greater Manchester can benefit from forfeited money through local initiatives.

"If you see, or suspect something is wrong, tell us, and we can sort it."

 

Anyone with concerns or information about suspicious financial activity, should report to police online, if able, at www.gmp.police.uk or via 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. 

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Greater Manchester residents will be able to enjoy a new long-distance trail on their doorsteps. The countryside charity, CPRE, together with The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity, have been awarded a £250,000 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to establish the ‘GM Ringway’ – the new long-distance walking trail which connects Salford on foot with the other nine boroughs which make up Greater Manchester.

Designed around existing footpaths, parks and open-access land, the GM Ringway will connect Greater Manchester’s 2.8 million residents with the natural and cultural heritage on their doorstep. Green in every way, all 20 stages of the 300-km (186-mile) route are designed to be accessed by public transport.

The trail takes in a wide variety of landscapes within the city-region’s countryside and other green spaces. It also gives communities access to heritage sites across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs. The route passes more than 40 Grade I and II*-listed buildings, including Bramall Hall in Stockport and Haigh Hall in Wigan; 13 accredited museums, such as the Imperial War Museum in Trafford, and 14 scheduled ancient monuments including Blackstone Edge Roman Road in Rochdale. The trail also guides walkers through 57 conservation areas, nine sites of special scientific interest, 18 local nature reserves and parts of the Peak District National Park.

The Heritage Fund grant will enable signposting and an improved app and website to be established so that a wide range of people, including less experienced walkers, can enjoy the trail. It will also support the organisation of community events across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. Once the trail is fully established, it’s estimated that at least 30,000 people will walk part of the route every year.

A GM Ringway ‘trail passport’ will also be developed which, it is hoped, will not only allow walkers to mark their progress on the route but also offer discounts to visitor attractions and pubs, cafés and hotels along the way.

A network of at least 200 volunteer ‘footpath guardians’ will be recruited and trained to help signpost the route, get involved in community events, and manage the trail long-term. As a key project aim is to open up the benefits of walking, nature and heritage to a wider range of people, the project team aims to cooperate on activities with community groups across Greater Manchester.

Debbie McConnell, Chair of CPRE Lancashire, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester said:

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“The GM Ringway project is truly innovative and could act as a blueprint for other city-regions. Here in the North West, we’re fortunate to have a wealth of heritage and natural beauty on our doorstep and we want more people to get out and discover it. We’ve already had an enthusiastic response from residents, community groups and official bodies.

“This inspiring initiative will get a wider range of people involved in heritage, give the local economy a boost, and promote personal wellbeing. And with its intrinsic focus on active travel and public transport, the route should be easy for local residents to access, as well as being positive for the environment. Thanks to players of the National Lottery, the GM Ringway walking trail will make Greater Manchester an even better place to live.”

 

Margaret Manning, Chair of Greater Manchester and High Peak Area Ramblers said:

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“The grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is just fantastic as it will enable us to make the GM Ringway project a reality, which is so exciting. The GM Ringway will open up opportunities to collaborate with local community groups, charities and partners in the health, heritage and environmental sectors on trail-related events and activities.

“We also hope heritage sites and hospitality businesses will benefit as visitors discover them on foot. The grant will allow us to establish this wonderful trail as a long-term asset for the region.”

 

Andrew Read, GM Ringway Project Lead, said:

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“Our core aim is to connect even more people with our local nature and heritage. We know there are proven health benefits that come from moving more and from spending time in nature.

“We’re particularly keen to enable those currently under-represented in the walking community to enjoy Greater Manchester’s incredible landscapes and heritage sites, especially those living in deprived areas, young people, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and different ethnic and faith groups. We believe that, as people explore Greater Manchester’s rich landscapes and history, it will increase their appreciation of and pride in their local area.”

 

For more information and news on the GM Ringway, including route maps, visit GM Walking

Officers have released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to following a series of bank card thefts from person.

The offences occurred at around 16:00pm on 23 September 2022 in Manchester City Centre.

The bank cards were stolen and then used to pay for expensive items in Argos Sainsbury's in Salford. One victim reported that they had their mobile phone stolen as well.

Thankfully no one has been physically injured so far.

Officers are now appealing for the public’s help in identifying the two men in these photos as they need to speak to them in connection with the thefts. If you think you might know them, please get in touch.

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2508 of 23 September 2022.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At around 10am on 24 October 2022, two men and two juveniles were arrested in North Manchester by Neighbourhood Crime Team officers after a pursuit.

Inside the vehicle, officers located a number of tools and keys from outstanding stolen vehicles in North Manchester and Oldham in the early hours of 24 October 2022.

Further enquiries revealed that these men were connected to burglaries across four different divisions within the last month.

Two men, Lewis Dooley (28/09/2000) of Penn Street, Manchester and Bailey Hampson (11/03/2004) of Holland Road, Moston, and two juveniles who can’t be named for legal reasons have been charged with ten offences including burglary, theft of motor vehicle, going equipped to steal and dangerous driving.

Both adults have been remanded into custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 30 November 2022. Both Juveniles have been bailed to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 30 November 2022.

Detective Sergeant Terina Arthern of GMP’s City of Manchester district said:

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“Investigating burglaries and arresting suspects is a top priority for every district in Greater Manchester. I’m extremely pleased with the team’s hard work this week which has resulted in four suspects being charged and will hopefully go some way to reducing the number of burglaries in our communities.

“We will continue to do our part in fighting this type of crime, but we need members of the public to keep talking to us – the information you share is vital in tracing offenders and recovering stolen goods.”

 

Anyone with information regarding recent burglaries are encouraged to contact GMP on 101 or by reporting using the LiveChat function at https://www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111.

As part of GMP’s new campaign Operation Vulcan, which represents GMP’s commitment to tackling the harmful and endemic criminality which is often linked to counterfeit goods, officers yesterday (25 October 2022) uncovered a treasure trove of counterfeit goods and weapons.

The Operation Vulcan activity was undertaken as part of Operation Avro and yesterday morning at around 6:30am, officers were called to reports of a burglary on Lockett Street, Strangeways. In addition to an estimated 20 tonnes of replica clothing, officers recovered a van which was being used for the burglary, containing a machete and an axe.

Often unbeknownst to members of the public, these counterfeit goods are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the shutters of these stores are hundreds and thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit clothes, medication, vapes, perfumes and drugs, all contributing to serious organised crime and money laundering in Manchester. And with that, comes violent crimes which have devastating effects on the local community and legitimate businesses in the surrounding areas.

Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood, who is heading Operation Vulcan, said:

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“Today was a clear example of how these counterfeit goods are bringing serious and violent crime into the area. This property was targeted for their significant amount of counterfeit goods, and this burglary led us directly to it.

“But Operation Vulcan doesn’t just stop here, we will be working closely and in innovative ways with numerous partners to tackle those criminals who are enjoying lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of their crimes at the cost of vulnerable people who are being taken advantage of. Our proactive team of specialist officers will continue to be intelligence led and work closely with local communities to stay ahead.”

 

The four assaults took place between Wednesday 12 October and Thursday 20 October 2022 in the late evening and early hours on around Crumpsall Lane, Seymour Road, Albyn Avenue, Beckenham Road and Cheetham Hill Road in Manchester.

Victims of all four attacks that received non-life-threatening injuries are being supported by specialist officers as investigations continue.

Detective Inspector Michael Russell of GMP’s City of Manchester North District said:

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“I would, firstly, like to thank members of the public for their reaction to this incident - particularly for sharing our appeal on social media and contacting us with information which has assisted our investigation.

“One man has been arrested in connection with these four incidents and remains in custody for further enquiries.

“We are of course aware of the ongoing impact on the community and so additional patrols have been deployed to the

Cheetham Hill area and this will continue for the foreseeable to help reassure the local community. Anyone who is concerned should speak to officers directly or call 111 with any concerns or information.

“Our work certainly doesn’t stop here, our enquiries are still ongoing, and we have lots of work to do to ensure we seek justice for the victims of these attacks.

"We are still appealing for further information that could further assist with our investigation, anyone with any CCTV or information should contact us on 0161 856 1146 quoting incident 3685 of 18/10/2022.

“Information can also be shared – anonymously - via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

 

Greater Manchester Police are appealing to the public for further information after four separate assaults in the Cheetham Hill area in the last week using a knife.

The assaults have all taken place in the late evening and early hours around Crumpsall Lane, Seymour Road, Albyn Avenue/Beckenham Road and Cheetham Hill Road.

Victims of all four attacks that received non-life-threatening injuries are being supported by specialist officers as investigations continue.

Members of the local community are asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 immediately. Do not approach the person in question.

Detectives would also like to speak to the male (pictured below) regarding these incidents as we believe they could assist with our investigations.

Detective Inspector Michael Russell of the City of Manchester North District, said:

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“We believe these assaults are random attacks and will obviously cause some serious concern to the local community. I can assure residents in the area we are taking these incidents very seriously and conducting all lines of enquiry to ensure we find the person responsible.

“We have increased patrols in the local area and will continue to do so, but if you have any concerns at all, please do talk to our local officers for reassurance and guidance as we are continuing to exhaust all available lines of enquiry to ensure we can continue to keep our communities safe.”

 

If anyone has any information at all that could assist the investigation, then do get in touch via 0161 856 1146, 101 or the LiveChat function on the website (www.gmp.police.uk) quoting log 3685 of 18/10/22.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers – by calling 0800 555 111.

Over £50,000 in cash has been recovered after GMP patrols stopped a car in Manchester City Centre as part of Operation Falcon.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property after cash was found hidden within the vehicle after it was stopped by GMP’s Roads Policing Unit in Cheetham Hill yesterday (Monday 17 October 2022) afternoon.

The arrest follows an intelligence-led operation by GMP’s Money Laundering Team within the Economic Crime and Cyber Unit (ECU) in partnership with Roads Policing as part of Operation Falcon, a collaboration between the ECU and Special Operations to tackle money laundering across Greater Manchester.

The man, aged 37, has been released under investigation.

Over £50,000 in cash has been recovered after GMP patrols stopped a car in Manchester City Centre as part of Operation Falcon.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, lead for GMP’s Operation Falcon said:

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“We are working hard to tackle cash-based money laundering across Greater Manchester, which often funds serious and organised crime.

“Monday’s seizure is just another example of the fantastic work that the team are carrying out as part of Operation Falcon.

“In the five months since its inception, Operation Falcon has seized over £750k from across Greater Manchester as part of the force’s crackdown on money laundering, and we will continue to target those suspected to be involved and reinvest the money back into the communities of Greater Manchester.”

 

A dedicated Modern Slavery Team in Programme Challenger is urging people to spot the signs of exploitation on world Anti Slavery Day. Programme Challenger, which is made up of many different agencies, all work together to disrupt and dismantle individuals and networks committing serious and organised crime in Greater Manchester.

This is to support the increasing number of victims identified over the last four years. 

Police and support organisations believe many more victims are being exploited across Greater Manchester.

Over the coming weeks a new campaign will be launched. This identifies common areas where exploitation occurs and encourages the public to identify and report so victims can be identified and supported by specialists.

The campaign urges people to “spot the signs” of:

Sexual exploitation : multiple women at one address, who may have language barriers, where men visit day and night and stay for only a short time. This may also occur with men however this is not suspected to be as common.

Domestic servitude: when someone being forced to carry out household tasks or work within a home environment where they may be verbally or physically abused or threatened. These may appear to take the form of relationships.

Labour exploitation : when people are controlled by an employer, often made to live in a work environment or are transported regularly to work, or work long hours with little or no payment.

Figures published by Programme Challenger show that the number of people identified as being victims in Greater Manchester has grown from 167 in 2016 to 562 in 2021.

In 2021 there were 52 charges for modern slavery. While in 2022 (up to 16 October) there have been 23 charges for modern slavery.

DCI Claire McGuire said:

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“Modern slavery is happening in Greater Manchester right now, but we need the public’s help to spot the signs in their neighbourhoods and workplaces.

“That information will help us to rescue and support people who are being exploited and abused. We can and should help them to escape what can feel like an impossible situation for them.

“The evidence people provide will also be used to prosecute the gangmasters and exploiters who are the modern slave masters.”

 

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Criminal Justice, said:

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“We have made good progress in recent years in identifying when people are being exploited and helping them to escape.

“Victims are often told by their exploiters that they will get in trouble or be deported if they say anything, but that is not true – we will support and help them.

“However, we can only help when we have tip-offs and other evidence of what is happening behind closed doors, so I do urge people to report the signs and help rescue victims of modern slavery.”

 

Victims of modern slavery in Greater Manchester are supported by a range of specialist charities who help them to overcome their trauma and rebuild their lives.

Among them is NESTAC, which has carried out research to better understand the experiences of victims. The stories they have been told have informed a video published on the Challenger website that describes the impact of domestic servitude on victims.

Dr Peggy Mulongo, NESTAC Head of Wellbeing Programme, said:

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“Domestic servitude can be very difficult to see because it is hidden behind closed doors.

“Victims may not recognise that they are being controlled and abused.

“Many women arrive in the UK on a spouse visa, which is a recognised immigration status, but their status is often used as a weapon by perpetrators who often are their husbands, to trap them into domestic servitude.

“It is important to raise general awareness on domestic servitude, to empower victims in trusting the authorities and for professionals to be able to recognise the signs of domestic servitude and to report their concern."

 

If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery, you can report it or seek advice through the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700.

You can also report incidents to GMP via 101, or by using LiveChat on our website, and always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Elliot Martin (23/07/2001) of Calderdale Avenue, Manchester has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court yesterday (13/10/2022) to 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to causing the death of Ronaldo Johnson and the serious injury of two others by dangerous driving.

On Wednesday 31 March 2021, a Greater Manchester Police patrol attempted to stop a Ford Focus being driven by Martin on Yewtree Road, Fallowfield. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued where Martin reached speeds of up to 65mph in a 30mph zone.

During the pursuit Martin drove through a red traffic light and collided with a taxi travelling through the junction on a green light. The passenger in the taxi struck by the fleeing vehicle, a 31-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries.

The collision caused extensive damage to the passenger side of the Ford Focus, where Ronaldo was sat in the rear. He tragically died of his injuries on 6 April 2021. The front seat passenger, a 20-year-old man, also suffered serious life changing injuries.

Martin ran from the scene of the collision and the devastation that he caused. The following day he handed himself in at a police station where he was arrested.

Police Constable Oliver Batty of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“Martin’s driving fell far below what would be expected of any careful, competent, and law-abiding driver. Ultimately, his actions led to the death of Ronaldo and serious injuries to two other people. Our thoughts remain with the family of Ronaldo as they come to terms with this loss.

“I hope this sentencing today will deter other motorists from risking other’s safety whilst driving, as every decision on the road has the potential to result in catastrophic consequences.”

 

After the hearing, Ronaldo’s family said:

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“The day we lost Ron, our lives were paused, and the void that Ron leaves will never be replaced. Elliot still has a life that he can live.

"He has no real remorse for his actions whilst we have no choice but to continue life without our loved one. Ron will be sadly missed by us all and no sentence will ever be enough to replicate the loss of him, to us as a family, and to the rest of the community.”

 

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is one of 14 forces to join the expansion programme for Operation Soteria Bluestone, a National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) led and Home Office funded research and change programme. The scheme aims to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) and will result in a national operating model which will be rolled out to all 43 Home Office forces.

Working with leading academics, GMP has begun a supported self-assessment in October 2022 to review their current practices in light of Operation Soteria Bluestone research findings to date. They will use this insight to develop an improvement plan. Officers will gain access to enhanced learning and development, specialist guidance and peer support via Operation Soteria Bluestone’s National Learning Network.

Key areas of focus for the programme have been informed by academic studies, deep dive research and pilots in pathfinder forces. Themes include: suspect focused investigations, identification of repeat/serial offenders, victim engagement, learning, development and wellbeing for officers, better use of data and digital forensics.

Detective Superintendent Jude Holmes, force lead for rape and serious sexual assault, said:

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“Rape is an incredibly complex and challenging crime. Our officers are committed to getting victims the best possible outcome, but we recognise that more needs to be done to address low conviction rates.

“Operation Soteria Bluestone is an opportunity to bring about real and lasting change by scrutinising the work we do within our own organisation, alongside the wider criminal justice system and victim support services.

“We are working alongside academics to find ways of improving the experiences of victims and pursuing offenders. As early adopters, we are contributing to the development of a new national operating model for stronger and more efficient rape investigations.”

 

Bev Hughes, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire, said: 

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“Rape and serious sexual assaults are sickening crimes which have a deep impact on the victims, and we must do everything possible to continuously improve how we tackle them and prevent them from happening.

“That is why we launched our Gender-Based Violence Strategy - a plan to tackle and prevent these crimes and behaviours as part of a whole-system approach across Greater Manchester. The strategy made a commitment to ask the Chief Constable to anticipate the need to implement this ‘gold standard’ approach to investigating rape, and it is really encouraging to see that Greater Manchester Police has sought to become part of the programme before wider national roll-out in late 2023.

“I’m pleased Greater Manchester Police is one of the latest fourteen forces to join the programme, which is committed to improving the experience of victims and bringing about demonstrable change. Whilst achieving these aims will not be easy, Operation Soteria Bluestone is an opportunity to improve the way that these traumatic offences are policed and to keep people safe."

 

Operation Soteria Bluestone was first piloted in Avon and Somerset Police at the beginning of 2021, as a response to the government End-to-End Rape Review. The expansion programme will build on the learning identified from the five initial Operation Soteria Bluestone forces; Metropolitan Police Service, Durham Constabulary, West Midlands Police and South Wales Police. This work will ultimately result in the new National Operating Model for use by all 43 Home Office police forces across England and Wales.

Police forces involved in the expansion of Operation Soteria Bluestone are: Devon & Cornwall, Gwent, Dyfed-Powys, North Wales, Northumbria, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Kent, Dorset and Sussex.