News, Manchester
People living in part of Oldham feel “intimidated in their own homes” after an increase in gangland violence and anti-social behaviour, a resident has said.
Greater Manchester Police officers have made more than 20 arrests in the Derker area of the town – some on suspicion of drugs and firearms offences – as part of a “major crackdown” on criminal activity.
Local James Howard said the trouble in the area was “absolutely horrendous” with “kids dropping drugs off left, right and centre”.
Det Supt Jen Kelly said there had been four shootings there since November and the violence seemed to be “escalating”.
GMP’s Operation Vulcan, which previously tackled the sale of counterfeit goods in Strangeways and drugs in Piccadilly Gardens, said it was using the same zero-tolerance tactics in Derker.
Det Supt Kelly said three firearms had been taken off the streets and half of those stopped and searched had weapons or drugs on them.
She said: “These people feel like they can operate with impunity and they can’t.
“What we want is the people of Derker to have trust in us to give us information about these people because we’re here to tackle this crime at all levels.”
Speaking to Radio Manchester, Mr Howard said: “If there’s five young lads stood on a corner I’ll divert round them because you can pretty much guarantee at least one of them is carrying a knife.
“There’s kids on bikes and scooters dropping off drugs left, right and centre.
“Something needs doing with it. The trouble that they’re causing is absolutely horrendous.”
Working with Oldham Council, and other partner agencies the operation aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug crime, vehicle crime and anti-social driving, child criminal exploitation, cuckooing, and violent crime.
Det Supt Kelly said: “We haven’t got a time limit. We’re going to be here for the duration”
She said the success of the project would be “when the community tell us ‘we feel safe here'”.
