Manchester bogus goods worth £143m seized in year-long crack-down

More than £143m of bogus goods have been seized from an area in Manchester known as the UK's counterfeit capital, police have revealed.

Operation Vulcan has targeted the fake goods trade in the notorious Cheetham Hill area.

A year after its launch, Greater Manchester Police says the blitz has led to 227 arrests and a 50% reduction in violent crime.

Plans are now afoot to regenerate parts of the area left derelict.

Councillor Gavin White said some affordable housing developments were already taking shape.

Police said the operation had seized 1,040 tonnes of counterfeit goods, more than £500,000 of criminal cash and a record-breaking number of prescription drugs as well as shutting down more than 200 shops.

Det Supt Neil Blackwood said "blatant" drug dealing was also in decline.

Mr White, who is in charge of housing and development at Manchester City Council, said: "We know we need to start delivering in this area and it is good to see developments already starting.

"We hope this will be a cultural hub to cater for the local community, but also for people to visit here."

He continued: "The Jewish Museum and other places locally are already catering for that.

"Regeneration can take time, but it's important we have some things that come forward quite quickly now to fill this vacuum and to ensure this area doesn't become unsafe again."

The council said it had appointed architects to draw up a masterplan, while some of the criminal cash seized is being redistribution in the community.

Cheetwood Community Primary School has been given £20,000, which has funded sports equipment and signs.

Headteacher Ellie Clark said she had "definitely noticed a difference in the community" and the increased police presence had been a "real benefit".

"I think the next step is thinking about education and improving the perception of the area for children and families," she said.

The are plans for the community to be consulted on the future of the area, although police admit progress will not be fast.

Det Ch Insp Jen Kelly said: "Some of it is starting slowly but its a long term vision and we've got a plan for that."

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