The latest attacks on suspected HMOs in Tameside

More properties believed to be HMOs have been targeted in attacks across Tameside.

Four suspected houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) in Denton, Dukinfield and Stalybridge had their windows smashed, and ‘NO HMOS’ scrawled on the walls. One property in Denton had a swastika spray-painted on the door.  

The criminal damage is believed to have been carried out overnight, between October 20 and October 21, according to Tameside council. A number of properties hit in Salford and Stockport were also trashed in recent weeks, with anti-HMO graffiti sprayed on them.

Since October 5, Greater Manchester Police has received 47 reports of criminal damage to properties that are either HMOs, or properties that are being mistaken for HMOs. 

Tensions have been rising in the borough in recent weeks, with a group calling itself Tameside Patriots garnering support by protesting outside suspected HMOs. But claims the recent attacks are the responsibility of Tameside Patriots have been refuted by the group. 

In a statement on social media, they said: “We want to make one thing absolutely clear. Tameside Patriots do not condone the smashing up of HMO properties, criminal damage or the painting of racist graffiti.

“Yes, we protest outside certain HMOs, but our reasons for doing so have always been to raise awareness of concerns brought to us by local residents, particularly families who fear for the safety of their children and young girls in their communities.

“Our aim is to protect communities, not destroy them.”

Political parties in Tameside have condemned the latest incidents. Group leaders from Tameside Labour, Reform, Conservatives and the Independent Group have issued a joint-statement in response.

Coun Eleanor Wills, Coun Allan Hopwood, Coun Andrea Colbourne and Coun Ged Cooney said: “We stand completely united in a message to the public: acts of criminality, violence, aggression, and intimidation in Tameside will not be tolerated and are entirely unacceptable in our borough or indeed anywhere. 

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and there is absolutely no place for fear or hostility in our communities. 

“Those who choose to engage in this behaviour do not speak for the people of Tameside, and their actions counter the values of safety, respect, and unity that define our towns.

“We want to reassure all residents that we are working closely together, and in direct partnership with Greater Manchester Police. They have made a number of arrests in relation to Greater Manchester incidents and are providing extra patrols in our communities in Tameside. 

“We urge anyone with information regarding the incidents to contact the police immediately.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig says ‘there is no place’ for this type of behaviour in the region.

Speaking on the BBC Radio Manchester hotseat about the issue today (October 22), Ms Craig said: “We’ve been following it closely and I know GMP have been making statements, and Paul Dennett, the city mayor of Salford, has been spending a lot of time trying to reassure people over the week.

“I’d start from this by saying look, we are a decent society and we should all abide by the rule of law.

“What we’re seeing here – damage to properties – irrespective of what’s driving it, people shouldn’t be engaging in criminal damage, terrorising people in their homes and spraying racist graffiti on houses, I think there’s just no place for it.”

Asked if there is a place for consultancy between local councils and residents about the possibility of HMOs coming to their area, the mayor added: “I would be really clear I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here.

“We’re talking about people that are taking the law into their own hands, and going out and often making mistakes and assuming that they’re targeting what they think is a house of multiple occupancy.

“We’ve seen over the last few days that families have been caught up in all of this stuff, and I would say before we even get to what’s driving it, there’s just no place for it, there’s no excuse to go and vandalise a property and to terrorise the people in it, and I think that’s where we have to start from.

“I think the reasons behind it, and we’ve had this conversation before that houses of multiple occupancy, lots of different kinds of people live there, students live in them, people that are facing homelessness live in them, and I think what people are talking about is also in the context of asylum, but look there’s just no excuse at any point for people to take from grievance to physically targeting people in their homes.”

GMP say they are taking this trend of attacks ‘extremely seriously’. Three people were arrested yesterday in connection with the spate of criminal damage in the city-region.

One 33-year-old man was arrested yesterday (October 21) following GMP investigations. Two men, aged 46 and 39, were also arrested on Monday (19 October 19) in connection with the incidents, but have since been bailed as enquiries continue.

GMP’s Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden said: “We recognise that the spread of damage to properties across Greater Manchester will be worrying for people living in the areas affected.

“I want to reiterate that we are taking this spate of damage extremely seriously and are continuing to relentlessly target offenders, including those who we believe are using and exploiting children to orchestrate the criminality.

“Today’s action means three people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage this week – and I hope it sends a strong message that anyone involved in this offending will be made to answer for their actions.

“Our communities can expect to see further action from GMP in connection with this issue.”

Enquiries are ongoing with evidence gathered by officers continuing to suggest that the recent spate of damage is linked to the criminal exploitation of children.