Greater Manchester HMOs targeted in wave of vandalism and attacks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 19:44 · Archive

Houses of multiple occupation in Greater Manchester have been subjected to dozens of attacks involving criminal damage, graffiti and vandalism.

Houses of multiple occupation across Greater Manchester have faced dozens of attacks in recent weeks. Greater Manchester Police has received at least 46 reports of criminal damage, with properties targeted mostly in Salford, Stockport and Tameside. Attacks have included smashed windows and doors, with graffiti reading 'no HMO', 'fuck off' and 'stop the boats'. Some properties have been mistaken for HMOs.

Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden said: 'We suspect vulnerable people are being exploited and paid to damage buildings they believe are HMOs. Some of those being exploited are believed to be children.' Police have made three arrests in connection with the attacks. A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage at an address in Salford.

Politicians across Greater Manchester, including those from Labour, Reform UK, the Conservatives and the Independent Group, issued a joint statement condemning the vandalism as 'entirely unacceptable' and emphasising that 'everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home'. The houses are believed to be targeted because they are thought to hold immigrants or refugees.

How it is being reported

• Children being exploited by criminals to target Greater Manchester HMOs, police sayGMP fear vulnerable people being paid to attack buildings suspected of housing immigrants or refugees Criminals are recruiting vulnerable people, including children, to damage houses suspected of being HMOs, police in Manchester believe. In recent weeks, dozens of properties have been targeted across Greater Manchester, mostly in Salford, but also in Stockport and Tameside. Continue reading...The Guardian · 23 Oct, 19:19
• Houses of multiple occupation in Greater Manchester targeted with pig's head and 'stop the boats' graffitiHouses of multiple occupation (HMO) in Greater Manchester have been targeted with a pig's head and graffiti reading "Stop the Boats". Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has received 49 reports of criminal damage to houses or flats, many with smashed windows and doors, often daubed in paint with the words "No HMO". Detectives from GMP have made three arrests and suggested young people are being exploited by adults to carry out the attacks. Politicians across the region and the political spectrum condemned the latest vandalism on Thursday. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Overnight between…GB News · 23 Oct, 02:50

In this story: Greater Manchester Police · Greater Manchester · Salford · Tameside · Stockport · Labour · Reform UK · Marcus Noden

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