Crime crackdown on Greater Manchester estate

A major police crackdown has been launched on an estate in Greater Manchester to tackle "serious, organised and embedded criminality" before a regeneration programme begins later this year.

Operation Vulcan has moved to the Brinnington area of Stockport to tackle issues like drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, violent crime, the exploitation of young people for criminality and the riding of illegal off-road bikes.

Det Ch Insp Chris Julien said "a small number of people" were "tarnishing the reputation of Brinnington".

Operation Vulcan officers have previously tackled counterfeit goods in the Strangeways area, drug dealing around Piccadilly Gardens and gangs in Derker.

In Brinnington, Julien said: "We will be focusing on the supply of drugs, so you will see door-smashing warrants and we've been on the buses to offer public reassurance".

He said people who lives in Brinnington were having their lives impacted by crime.

The Clear, Hold, and Build strategy of the Vulcan operations is to clear an area of criminal activity, to hold that position and then build it into a more prosperous place to live.

Each operation has targeted known troublemakers, with police working closely with the local council, neighbourhood groups and housing associations.

The Operation Vulcan team, which has been deployed in Brinnington since mid-February, has made 13 arrests over the last two weeks for a range of offences including possession of illegal drugs and weapons.

Officers have seized a firearm, Class A drugs and thousands of pounds of illicit cash.

It follows a Greater Manchester Police operation in November, which resulted in 21 arrests, the recovery of up to £500,000 in cash and the seizure of 12 vehicles.

Last year, the government announced it would invest £20m in Brinnington over the next ten years, through its Pride in Place programme.

The money will be dedicated to improving local facilities, backing community groups, creating jobs and improving the high street.

It is hoped that Brinnington can be cleared of criminal activity and held by the police before the money is spent to help build the regeneration of the estate.

Stockport councillor Dan Oliver said: "Brinnington is a proud, connected community, with residents at the heart of shaping its future."

"Through the Pride in Place programme, we're investing in local spaces, services, and supporting people to live healthier, more independent lives".

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