Thousands of arrests have been made by our specialist crime fighting Operation Vulcan team… with more to come
Operation Vulcan, a specialist crime-fighting team, has made over 1000 arrests since its launch in November 2022, targeting areas like Cheetham Hill, Piccadilly Gardens, and Derker in Oldham. The team focuses on tackling crimes such as drug dealing, robbery, theft, and child exploitation, while also addressing root causes and building community resilience. Significant achievements include a 70% reduction in violent crime in Cheetham Hill, the seizure of £3 million worth of drugs, and the repurposing of counterfeit items for charity. The operation has received national and international recognition for its proactive, community-focused approach.
Operation Vulcan’s Crime Crackdown Expands to Derker After Dramatic Successes Across Manchester
Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Vulcan has made over 1,000 arrests since launching in Cheetham Hill in November 2022, with the specialist team now bringing their hardline approach to Derker, Oldham, after transforming crime-ridden areas across the region.
The dedicated unit has seized more than 1,000 tonnes of counterfeit goods in Cheetham Hill alone, where violent crime has plummeted by nearly 70% and stalking and harassment has been completely eliminated. A major investigation into an alleged drug dealing and money laundering operation resulted in twelve people being charged and £3 million worth of drugs seized.
In Piccadilly Gardens, round-the-clock patrols drove away criminals and attracted external investment, while a covert investigation dismantled an entire drugs network with offenders receiving jail sentences totaling over 100 years. Environmental changes implemented with Manchester City Council have made the area less vulnerable to criminal activity.
The team’s latest offensive in Derker has already yielded results within a month - over 30 arrests, 30 cars and electric bikes seized, and a visible presence restoring community confidence. The operation targets not just symptoms but root causes, embedding officers in communities while building resilience against future crime.
“The community is always at the heart of these operations, and their feedback is crucial to our policing plans,” said Superintendent Jen Kelly, who leads Operation Vulcan. “We work with them to show the criminals they are not welcome, and the team will work tirelessly to pursue offenders, safeguard victims, and improve the overall look and feel of the area.”
The proactive approach has earned national and international recognition for its partnership model, bringing together experts from multiple agencies to create lasting change. Last month, officers supported a warrant in Cheetham Hill targeting an online counterfeit trader, seizing illicit parcels as criminals adapt to digital platforms.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, praised the operation’s impact: “We have seen a significant drop in the level of crime reported in the Cheetham Hill area, as well as the improvements seen in the city centre in terms of preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.”
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