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GMP reveals what really happens to counterfeit clothes they confiscate
Where does it all go?
Greater Manchester Police have revealed what really happens to counterfeit goods after they have been seized.
Cheetham Hill and Strangeways has long been well-known as the place to go for cheap, fake designer goods. But GMP’s Operation Vulcan was set-up in November 2022 as a bold multi-agency targeted action plan designed to rid these areas of criminal activity.
Officers say this form of criminality exposes ‘children to serious violence and subjects honest business owners to extortion’. In a post on social media, GMP wrote: “People often see these counterfeit items as a victimless crime.
“Unfortunately, these cash only businesses have resulted in hundreds of thousands of pounds being funnelled into the criminal market, funding the drugs trade, firearms, exploitation, and money laundering.”
Six months on, police have shut down over 100 counterfeit shops and over 300 tonnes of counterfeit clothing has been recycled and repurposed. But where does it all go?
The items, retrieved from Cheetham Hill and Strangeways in Manchester, have now been recycled for the community. In a social media post the force said: “Some of the hats, t-shirts and gloves which are made from safe materials can simply be de-branded and given to charities and local community organisations.
“Anything else gets shredded and then reused to create items such as dog bedding or horse blankets. Even the packaging and boxes the items are sold in gets re-used and recycled and can create insulation for houses.
“A top priority for Operation Vulcan was to minimise waste and make sure the counterfeit items could be put to better use. Working with a specialist company, Lighthouse Security, police have been able to repurpose the counterfeit items, turning them into safe and useful products.”
Gunnar the dog now has a new bed made from repurposed counterfeit items and other items have also been repurposed into horse blankets or insulation for housing.
Though GMP have said they still have a long way to go to eradicate criminal activity from the area.
Inspector Andy Torkington, one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers said: “The community and their needs are at the heart of Operation Vulcan and the fact we have been able to repurpose and recycle everything and give it back to those in need really makes a difference.
“We are seeing excellent progress in the area, but there is still a long way to go until the criminality is eradicated.
“Our police presence will not stop, and we will continue to work with our partners to deliver on our promises to revitalise the area and protect the communities of Cheetham Hill and Strangeways.”
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M&S share first look inside huge new Stockport store ahead of opening
Shoppers can expect an even ‘bigger, better and fresher’ experience
Marks and Spencer have released first look images of a huge brand new ‘market-style’ Stockport Foodhall ahead of its opening next week.
The retailer has released more details about the massive new Foodhall at Stockport Retail Park to offer residents a picture of how it will look and what to expect before its grand opening on Wednesday June, 14th.
The 16,000 sq ft space promises to offer a ‘fresh market-style design’, with shoppers able to browse displays filled with ‘great quality, trusted value’ produce from the retailer’s Select Farms.
Customers will also be able to pick up freshly baked bread and pastries from its ‘show-stopping’ bakery, including M&S new collection sourdough, which is made using a traditional 30-hour process.
The high street brand confirmed the news of its opening earlier this year where it said it would create more than 70 jobs in the area.
But it has now been confirmed that more than 110 jobs have been created to support the new M&S Foodhall. It comes after the retail giant closed down its Stockport store in Merseyway shopping centre in 2021.
Store Manager, Anna Priest, who has worked at M&S for seven years, said: “We are excited to be sharing a sneak peek of the new Foodhall and are really looking forward to welcoming the community to our new Stockport store when we open next week!
“The new store is packed with so many exciting new features, so we’re really excited to finally open the doors and see local customers experience it for themselves.
“Whether you’re looking for a big family food shop or dropping in for some daily essentials – we’ve got you covered.”
The new M&S Stockport site follows the retailer’s recent announcement it plans to invest £500 million in its store rotation programme, creating over 3,400 new jobs nationwide.
A new full-line store is also set to be created at the former Debenhams site at the Trafford Centre, and another full-line store being created in Liverpool.
Also included in this investment is a new Foodhall in Macclesfield, opening November 30th, and the store in Bury’s the Rock has also been enhanced.
The new Stockport M&S is located at Unit 4B, Stockport Retail Park, Stockport, United Kingdom, SK1 2HH and will be open Monday – Saturday 8am – 8pm, and on Sunday, 10:30am – 4:30pm.
News
Boy, 15, on e-bike who died after collision with ambulance in Salford named
Local residents and friends have left tributes for the teenager at the scene of the tragedy
A 15-year-old boy riding an e-bike has sadly died after colliding with an ambulance in Salford, after he was followed by the police.
The teenage boy died after crashing into a parked ambulance after being followed by police officers on the afternoon of Thursday, June 10th.
The teenager has been named locally as Saul Cookson.
A huge response of emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene at Langworthy Road, Salford, shortly after 2pm.
Officers in a police car began following the teenage boy who was riding an e-bike on Fitzwarren Street at 2pm, but stopped when they were prevented by bollards.
Moments later a ‘collision happened between a cyclist and an ambulance’. Officers were not in pursuit at the point of impact, Greater Manchester Police have said.
The teenager was taken to hospital where he died and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A spokesperson for GMP said: “At around 2pm today, GMP traffic officers began following a boy riding an e-bike along Fitzwarren Street in Salford, onto Lower Seedley Road.
“Bollards prevented the police vehicle from continuing to follow the e-bike. A short time later, a road traffic collision occurred between the e-bike and an ambulance on Langworthy Road. The 15-year-old boy riding the e-bike sadly died.
“In line with normal proceedings, the incident has been referred to IOPC, who are now leading the investigation. A cordon remains in place on Langworthy Road.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who tragically died.”
Locals and friends who knew the 15-year-old have been leaving tributes at the scene of the accident, where a police cordon still remains in place, as flowers have been placed with messages.
One read: “Saul, gone but never forgotten. RIP. I love you always keep smiling your cheeky smile.”
Another said: “Saul. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you loads my dude.” And a message on a cardboard sign tied to a nearby fence declared: “Kids on bikes don’t kill.”
News
Mancunian-born brand selling Northern t-shirts and apparel to open first shop
The clothes have proven to be a huge hit amongst northerners
A Mancunian-born Northern slogan clothing brand is opening its first shop next month.
Northern Power Garms was created by makeup artist Jules Daniels, who began selling t-shirts from her house in Manchester after finding herself out of work during the pandemic.
The cool independent clothing and accessories store specialises in hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, baby grows, bags and hats with Northern slang words and phrases such as ‘Ey up’, ‘Absolutely buzzin’ and ‘It’s not grim up north’ — we love this one!
Jules’ idea took off like a rocket and after three years of selling online and gaining over 7,000 followers, her creation Northern Power Garms is now opening its very first in-person shop in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Adding a delightful pop of colour to Horton Street come July, shoppers can treat themselves to trendy garments that show off how proud they are to be Northern, and will be sure to brighten up many a grey rainy day — and there are many!
Beam Design, who curate bespoke interiors, worked with Jules to help bring her vision of a physical shop to life, creating some stunning CGIs – bringing a slice of Miami to Halifax – for us to have a sneak peek at ahead of its completion.
Last week, Jules shared an update on the transformation of her soon-to-be shop as it undergoes a head-to-toe renovation.
In a caption on the Northern Power Garms’ Instagram page, she wrote: “Two weeks ago I was literally clambering over boards trying not to fall down to the basement and die because there was no floor. Now look at it!
“There’s a floor (!!) and boards are going up on the ceiling and walls. It’s properly starting to come together now.
“We’ve had some incredible floor samples from @polyflorltd and paint samples from @crownpaintsuk – have you seen the visuals we posted, from Helena at @beamdesigninteriors? I could cry with happiness that the team and I will get to work here, every day!
“I met up with a gorgeous new supplier today too! We have some BEAUTIFUL earrings ready to stock, all handmade by Lauren at @plainjaynedesign – if you’re into colour, sparkle and WOW, then these are for you!
“There’s just so much going on, and honestly we cannot wait to get open and welcome you all in! Have you been past the shop? Let us know!”
At the minute, the determined entrepreneur is working hard alongside a team of builders and designers at fitting out the unit along Westgate Arcade, as well as running her online business and updating followers on social media.
But once it’s open, shoppers and curious browsers can expect to step into a world of pretty pastels and modern terrazzo tables with a colour scheme that brings sunny Miami to Halifax, with carefully crafted garments that embody the heart and soul of northernness.
Check out Northern Power Garms online for more, and make sure to visit the shop and its stylish apparel when it opens in July.
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