Criminals in Greater Manchester are reportedly recruiting vulnerable individuals, including children, to vandalize houses suspected of being houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This alarming trend has emerged over the past few weeks, with dozens of properties targeted primarily in Salford, as well as in Stockport and Tameside.
Recent Developments
Police have documented at least 46 separate reports of criminal damage, which includes not only houses but also vehicles. The attacks have involved smashed windows and graffiti defacing walls and doors with messages such as “fuck off” and “no HMO.” The targeted properties are believed to house immigrants or refugees.
Ch Supt Marcus Noden stated, “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.” He emphasized that this recent wave of vandalism will not be tolerated, noting that a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage at a Salford address overnight and remains in custody for questioning.
