UPDATE: |GMP catch dozens out after sudden operation at Metrolink stops News

Police launched a sudden day of action in Derker

Two people have been arrested and dozens of others fined as part of a huge police operation aiming to clear up the streets of Oldham.

Officers descended on major roads and transport links in Derker as part of Operation Vulcan on Tuesday (April 8).

Officers suddenly stationed themselves around the Metrolink transport routes, with a knife arch in place at Derker’s tram stop, which resulted in one arrest on suspicion of failing to appear at court and nine stop-searches.

More than 40 fines were also issued for not paying the appropriate tram fare.

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Much of the action also happened on the roads, centring on the Ripponden Road junction with Clyde Road. Police seized two vehicles for having no insurance, and fined numerous drivers over mobile phone and seatbelt offences, and to those with non-regulation tinted windows and number plates.

Police had started the day with a dawn raid in Derker, with around £1,000 worth of cannabis and several e-bikes seized.

GMP say the problem-solving work by Operation Vulcan ‘has seen the team comprehensively tackle crime from all angles – reducing offending, punishing them, and ensuring the root causes of issues are tackled’.

From door-smashing drug warrants to tackling nuisance and illegal drivers, this work will continue for the coming weeks and months, GMP say.

Sergeant Joseph Dunne, from the Operation Vulcan team, said: “Yesterday’s work shows just how many ways we are approaching tackling crime in the Derker area.

“It’s not just putting doors through and making arrests; it’s engaging with the community, working with partners, and tackling criminality in all its forms, from top to bottom.

“Yesterday’s work encapsulated just that. We spoke to commuters about our work and the policing we are providing, got dangerous drivers off the road, and recovered suspected illegal products during an early-morning raid.

“I would urge anyone in the Derker area and who has any issues to please come forward and talk to us. We are determined to help you in any was possible.”