FAKES NO MORE

YEAR ON FROM START OF BLITZ ON CAPITAL OF HOOKY GOODS, COUNTERFEIT STREET IS LOOKING L VERY DIFFERENT

- STEPHEN TOPPING

STROLLING along the side of the A56 past Strangeways is a far less unpleasant experience than 12 months ago.

Gone are the ‘spotters’ hanging outside makeshift shops with their shutters half-down, keeping a watchful eye out for the police, with the threat of imminent violence hanging over.

This was the notorious ‘Counterfeit Street’ – the country’s capital for hooky gear, seemingly thriving despite the occasional raid. Great Ducie Street, Bury New Road and the side streets in the shadow of HMP Manchester’s watch tower were a hive of suspicious activity.

There was a bustle of shoppers, clutching unmarked carrier bags filled with counterfeit items, but this wasn’t a harmless trade. Local residents and legitimate businesses spoke of their fear that trouble could erupt at any moment, women were harassed, and an illicit drug supply flourished.

This week marks 12 months since the tide began to turn. Operation Vulcan began one year ago with the aim of ridding the streets of the counterfeit trade, and the other criminal activity that came with it.

Greater Manchester Police – which has worked with bodies such as the fire service, trading standards and the Home Office on Op Vulcan – says it wanted to clear away the endemic criminal activity that had blighted the area for decades!

A force spokesperson said: "It was a different approach to local policing, but the results have been indisputable.