Operation Vulcan continues vital engagement work in Derker

Operation Vulcan officers have continued their dual focus of community engagement and tough enforcement in Derker, as the team marks more than six months since its initial deployment to the area.

Throughout late September and early October, the specialist GMP unit held a series of outreach events to update residents on progress and strengthen relationships with the community. The activity coincided with the half-year anniversary of the team’s arrival in March, which has so far led to more than 170 arrests, significant cash seizures, and numerous offenders being taken off the streets through partnership work.

One of the key events took place at Mayfield Primary School, where residents gathered to hear first-hand about the operation’s results and future plans. Attendees were offered crime-prevention advice ahead of the winter months and were able to take home a range of free safety tools including personal alarms, property markers, torches, and hi-vis stickers.

Just days later, the Vulcan team supported a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme at Stoneleigh Park, which the partnership has helped fund throughout recent school breaks. The initiative provides young people with a packed schedule of free activities, from bike rides and climbing walls to VR experiences and craft workshops. All children attending also receive free meals, with officers on hand to engage with families and offer friendly support.

The team returned to Stoneleigh Park on 7 November as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Oldham School Sport Partnership, assisting at an inter-school's cross-country competition. Officers spent time with pupils and teachers, reinforcing the educational side of the operation: helping young people understand the risks associated with criminality and the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Julien, of GMP’s Vulcan unit, said maintaining a strong presence in the community is essential to the operation’s success.

“Engaging with the local community is just as important as putting in doors and making arrests,” he said. “The people of Derker are what make the community keep ticking – their strength, decency, and assistance throughout our deployment has been vital in making the streets safer for all.

“These recent events have been important to continue building trust, spreading awareness of our work, and gathering intelligence that can help prevent crime.”

Operation Vulcan says both enforcement and engagement will continue in the months ahead, with further events planned as the team works to keep Derker safe and supported.