Manchester’s ‘counterfeit mile’ set to be bulldozed after latest GMP crackdown
- Magistrates issues closure order and fines to landlords
- Greater Manchester Police issue warning to other businesses
Manchester’s ‘counterfeit mile’ is set to be revamped as Greater Manchester Police continue a crackdown on illegal activity.
Manchester is famous for its ‘curry mile’, but in Cheetham hill the row of counterfeit shops is famous for its fake Gucci bags and knock-off designer clothes.
The shops numbered 175,177,179 and 181 on Great Ducie Street were issued a closure order in October after Manchester City Council became aware of the properties criminal behaviour.
A closure order was issued after Greater Manchester fire and rescue service contacted Electricity North West to inspect the premises after concerns regarding the safety of the electricity supply to one of the buildings.
Manchester Magistrates Court issued the four landlords of the properties a fine of £4,000 each as well as the prohibition of anyone entering the properties.
“We want to make it very clear through our actions today – there isn’t anywhere criminals can hide. They will be caught”
Detective Superintendent, Neil blackwood
Detective Superintendent Neil Blackwood, of GMP police, said: “This is a great example of what multi-agency partnerships can achieve. This is one of the largest closure orders we’ve secured as a Council and is the fourth we’ve secured along this road in the past 18 months.”
“We know the negative impact that criminality has on this area and know the detriment it has on the local community. However, we want to make it very clear through our actions today – there isn’t anywhere criminals can hide. They will be caught.”