One year on from shooting, Operation Vulcan continue to target crime in Derker

It was a year ago today (16 January) that a man was left with serious injuries following a targeted shooting in the Derker area. 

This horrific incident shocked residents across the town and partnered with reports of anti-social behaviour and other violent incidents, it became clear that a dedicated problem-solving plan was required. 

The Operation Vulcan partnership work subsequently began their crime-busting work in the weeks that followed, with deployments in Cheetham Hill and Piccadilly Gardens. 

Beginning in March, officers flooded the area with multiple resources, conducting door-smashing warrants, high-visibility patrols, and drop-in chats with anyone experiencing issues. 

In the last ten months, this has resulted in more than 220 arrests, 700 stop-searches, 200 vehicles seized, 54 weapons taken off the streets – including four firearms – and thousands of pounds worth of drugs recovered. 

Violent crime saw a reduction of 25 per cent, with ASB incidents also down by 26 per cent, when compared with the previous year. The stop-search count has also increased by 600 per cent, with a positive outcome rate of 34 per cent. 

Hundreds of pieces of intelligence have been worked through and acted on – resulting in everything from arrests to warning letters and eviction notices. 

The gunman, aged 23, from the January shooting was also jailed for 16 years in June, following an investigation by the Major Incident Team.

This work has gone hand-in-hand with vital engagement, which has seen officers and partners getting out, speaking to the people of Derker, and dealing with their concerns appropriately. 

First Choice Homes and Oldham Council Community Safety Team have been key partners on the Derker work – using all resources at their disposal to contribute to the joint vision for the area. 

The engagement work has included leaflet drops regarding e-bike warnings and prevention advice, in addition to family fun days – notably the Holiday, Activity, and Food (HAF) programmes during school holidays. 

These HAF days have taken place at various points over the last year and have seen a wide-range of activities for local children, including bike-riding, wall-climbing, VR headsets, arts and crafts, and free food for those in attendance. 

The days have been crucial in getting officers known to the public, and building the trust and confidence of those in the area. 

Further to this, local voluntary groups have been key in providing support for the work being done - such as Friends of Stoneleigh Park, who have assisted in hosting the HAF events. 

Work will continue into 2026, where the Vulcan strategy will continue to be implemented in the coming weeks and months, supported by local neighbourhood officers, specialist resources, and more. 

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Julien, from GMP’s Operation Vulcan team, said: “The last ten months have seen plenty of successes as we’ve worked to remove criminality from the Derker area and provide solid plans for the area going forward. 

“Alongside the action – hundreds of arrests, stop-searches and proactive days – we have been engaging with the local community, to ensure that we best know how to handle any issues that they are facing. 

“This is what the Vulcan partnership is about: working with the right people to get the right outcomes for the people of Derker – whether that’s a knock on the door or a friendly word of advice. 

“I have no doubt that we will see further results throughout this year, as work continues to ensure that criminals know that they will not be tolerated in this area.” 

Cllr Elaine Taylor, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Oldham Council, said: “People in Derker deserve to feel safe in their own homes and proud of their neighbourhood, and this work has made a real difference. The results speak for themselves, but what matters most is the reassurance it has brought to local residents. 

“By combining firm action against serious criminality with visible policing, community safety work and support for families and young people, we are helping to create lasting change. 

"We are grateful to residents for working with us and sharing information, and we will continue to stand alongside the community to make sure Derker keeps moving in the right direction.” 

Mark Gifford, Chief Executive at First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “FCHO has been proud to be involved in Operation Vulcan as it drives criminality out of Derker. 

“We have supported GMP in its excellent work to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the district and make it safer for residents and our customers. 

“The work of the police has led to identifying our customers’ involvement in crime. As a result, we have issued 18 notices to seek possession of our properties. 

“FCHO is clear that those who take part in crime could face losing their home. We look forward to supporting the next phases of the operation.”