Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 21st March 2025, at 09:00hrs
Following the significant success of Operation Vulcan in Cheetham Hill and Piccadilly Gardens, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has announced the expansion of the initiative to Derker, Oldham.
Dubbed “Vulcan Futures,” this new phase will see the force’s proven tactics applied to address high-demand crime areas, revolutionizing neighbourhood policing.
Chief Constable of GMP commissioned the Vulcan Futures initiative, aiming to replicate the original operation’s impact by strategically deploying resources to combat persistent criminal activity.
In Derker, a dedicated team of GMP officers, in partnership with Oldham Council and various agencies, will focus on tackling issues most concerning to the community: anti-social behaviour, drug crime, vehicle crime, anti-social driving, child criminal exploitation, cuckooing, and violent crime.
Over the past few weeks, the Operation Vulcan team has been active in Derker, engaging with residents and conducting proactive patrols. Early results indicate promising progress:
* 21 arrests made for offences including drug possession, weapon possession, money laundering, and firearms offences.
* 12 vehicles seized for being uninsured, driven dangerously or anti-socially, or used to facilitate crime.
* Four warrants executed, including the discovery of a cannabis farm and a commercial premises where substantial quantities of Class A drugs were seized.
* One electric bike seized, suspected of being used in criminal activities.
Detective Superintendent Jen Kelly, leading Operation Vulcan, emphasized the initiative’s goal to enhance existing efforts in Derker.
“This new approach will enhance the work that is already being done in Derker and ensures all the expertise and skills of the force, and that of our partners, is brought together and used in a more targeted and effective way,” she stated.
The operation will focus on relentlessly pursuing harmful offenders while providing support and alternative pathways for young people at risk of criminal involvement.
“This focused effort will see us relentlessly pursue the most harmful offenders, whilst identifying young people on the periphery of falling into a life of crime and referring them to other agencies to offer them ways out and support,” Kelly added.
Building community trust and confidence is a core component of Operation Vulcan.
GMP aims to work closely with Oldham Council and partner agencies to engage with residents and demonstrate a commitment to long-term positive change.
Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah expressed her support for the initiative, stating,
“Nobody wants anti-social behaviour and crime in their community. So, I’m glad we can be a partner in this project to crack down on what is a small number of people having a negative impact in Derker.”
CLLR Shah highlighted the importance of community collaboration in achieving safer neighbourhoods.
“I know that the vast majority of people want safe and peaceful neighbourhoods and I’m confident by working together, with members of the community, we can achieve that.
This is a fantastic chance to have a real impact on people’s lives and I look forward to seeing the progress,” she said.
The launch of Operation Vulcan in Derker marks a significant step in GMP’s commitment to addressing community concerns and creating safer environments across Greater Manchester.
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