Fourth arrest over damage to multiple occupation homes across Greater Manchester
Police have received 50 reports of criminal damage
A fourth person has been arrested by police investigating vandalism of multiple occupation (HMO) properties.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have received 50 reports of criminal damage to houses or flats with many having windows and doors smashed, often daubed in paint with the words, “No HMO”.
Other graffiti has included “Stop the boats” while a pig’s head was left outside one door.
Police have made four arrests and suggested young people are being exploited by adults to carry out the attacks.
Politicians across the region and across the political spectrum have condemned the vandalism.
Overnight between October 20 and 21, four properties in Stalybridge, Dukinfield and Denton in Tameside, east of Manchester, were targeted.
It follows earlier attacks on HMOs, beginning on October 5, with more than 40 reports of criminal damage in Salford, to the west of the city.
On Friday, GMP said a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage at an address in Salford overnight.
He remains in custody for questioning.
Three men, aged 46, 39, and 33, were previously arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage in Salford and later bailed.
Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden said: “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 and this is just one line of enquiry that we are pursuing.
“This recent spate of damage is not being tolerated.
“Four people have been arrested in connection with our investigation this week alone, and our communities can expect to see more action from GMP.
“As our enquiries progress, we’re urging anyone who has information that could help us to get in touch online or by calling 101.”
HMOs are where three or more unrelated people live.
Long used by young families or professionals, they have also been linked to the housing of migrants and asylum seekers.
The Government is committed to closing hotels housing migrants with a policy of dispersal into communities, with HMOs used by private housing providers paid for by taxpayers.