EXCLUSIVE: Police uncover Cheetham Hill warehouse housing millions of pounds worth of counterfeit goods
Operation Vulcan is targeting serious organised crime across Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police have uncovered more than a million pounds worth of counterfeit goods hidden inside a warehouse in Cheetham Hill, as they continue with their crack down on serious organised crime.
The illegal operation was busted following a break-in over the weekend, which police now believe was a rival organised crime gang trying to steal counterfeit stock.
Our regional correspondent Victoria Glover was exclusively invited to see police raid the building.
It comes as the Home Secretary announced more funding for police forces across the country to target serious organised crime. ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ is a multi-agency partnership tactic, designed by the Home Office and endorsed by the Policing Inspectorate, to rescue areas of the country most blighted by organised crime.
This sees police ruthlessly pursue gang members to clear an area; maintain grip and hold the location, so another gang can’t take control in the vacuum; and then work to build the community into a more prosperous area, less susceptible to the draw of crime groups.
The Government has also launched a consultation on potential new laws to criminalise the making, supply and possession of items strongly suspected to facilitate serious crime – such as digital templates for 3D-printing firearms components, pill presses and sophisticated encrypted communication devices.
The consultation will also look at strengthening Serious Crime Prevention Orders to make it easier for police and other law enforcement agencies to place restrictions on suspected offenders and stop them from participating in further crime.
Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, said: “Enough is enough. We cannot allow depraved criminals to operate under the radar, inciting fear in our communities and profiting from the devastation they cause.
“Clear, Hold, Build is a common-sense policing approach. Taking out these gangs will prevent violence, stem the flow of harmful drugs poisoning our communities and cut down on anti-social behaviour. That will, in turn, create a brighter future for young people in those areas.
“Gun crime in this country is thankfully still rare, but the recent spate of tragic shootings are a stark reminder of what is at stake when gang violence spills onto our streets and I’ve recently written to affected families to pass on my condolences and deep concern.
“If stronger laws are also necessary to protect the public, I will not hesitate to act.”
Around £2 million will be invested to support the roll-out of ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ in the highest harm hot-spot areas in England and Wales to include new organised crime coordinators to work with Regional Organised Crime Units and forces.