Operation Vulcan have launched a major crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in Derker
Operation Vulcan, a Greater Manchester Police initiative, has expanded to Derker, Oldham, targeting crime and anti-social behavior. The operation involves proactive patrols, arrests, and seizures, with a focus on drug crime, vehicle offenses, and violent crime. The initiative collaborates with Oldham Council and other agencies to address community concerns and provide support to at-risk youth.
Greater Manchester Police Expands Operation Vulcan to Oldham’s Derker Estate
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has officially launched the latest phase of its high-impact Operation Vulcan model in Derker, Oldham, after weeks of undercover groundwork produced 21 arrests, 12 vehicle seizures and the shutdown of a commercial drugs hub.
The move, ordered by Chief Constable Stephen Watson, re-deploys the same intelligence-led tactics that cut street dealing and anti-social behaviour in Cheetham Hill and Piccadilly Gardens. Officers say the goal is to “revolutionise neighbourhood policing” by flooding hotspot areas with specialist teams, council enforcement staff and social-care workers for as long as it takes to break criminal networks.
Since covert patrols began in late April, the Vulcan squad has:
- Arrested 21 people for offences ranging from firearms possession to money-laundering;
- Taken 12 vehicles off the road for no insurance, dangerous driving or use in crime;
- Executed four warrants, uncovering a cannabis farm and a shop where “large quantities” of class-A drugs were packaged for street supply;
- Recovered an electric bike believed to have been used in recent robberies.
Detective Superintendent Jen Kelly, who oversees the expanding programme, said the Derker deployment “enhances, rather than replaces” traditional neighbourhood teams. “We are relentless in pursuing the most harmful offenders, while spotting teenagers on the cusp of criminality and diverting them into education, employment or targeted support,” she said.
Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah welcomed the surge, insisting only “a small number of people” are causing the vast majority of intimidation, drug-related violence and cuckooing on the estate. “The community has told us loud and clear that they want their streets back. By combining council powers—whether that’s tenancy enforcement, litter wardens or youth services—with GMP’s tactical know-how, we believe we can deliver lasting change,” she said.
The Derker phase will run indefinitely, with weekly public drop-ins planned so residents can steer patrol priorities and identify problem addresses.
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