Salford Rocked by Escalating 'No HMO' Crime Spree: Homes and Cars Targeted!

Salford is currently grappling with a concerning spate of criminal damage incidents, primarily characterized by graffiti bearing the message 'no HMO' scrawled across properties and vehicles. These acts reflect a broader pattern of behavior under police investigation, causing significant alarm within local communities.

New images, captured on Saturday, October 10, reveal the extent of the damage. On Nelson Street, a car was found with its windscreen and windows smashed, additionally defaced with the phrases 'R dirty old town' and 'no HMO'. Furthermore, a house on the same street bore the stark message 'f*** Labour, no HMO' on its front door. Another property on Albert Park Road exhibited five smashed windows, with 'no HMO' spray-painted over the boarding that had been put up.

These incidents follow a similar event on Wednesday, October 7, where a property on Kingsley Avenue in Kersal suffered shattered windows. Believed to be a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), this building reportedly sustained further damage overnight even after initial boarding-up efforts. These occurrences are all part of a broader police probe into criminal damage across the borough.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed receiving separate reports of criminal damage on Thursday, October 8, regarding incidents on Albert Park Road and Nelson Street in Lower Broughton. Regarding the Albert Park Road property, it was constructed in 2025, with planning permission granted in 2020 for three self-contained flats; notably, no planning application for an HMO conversion is visible on Salford Council's website. GMP has announced the arrest of a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage, who remains in custody. The Neighbourhoods' team is conducting a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable all those responsible. Chief Inspector Lee Gridley, Neighbourhoods lead in Salford, emphasized that these incidents represent a "pattern of behaviour" and that while the public's right to protest is recognized, there is a clear distinction between lawful protest and criminal activity, which will not be tolerated.

In response to the escalating tensions, Salford Mayor Paul Dennett urged calm and unity within the city. He stated that there is "no place for hate, violence, intimidation or discrimination" and that the city's strength lies in people from all backgrounds being treated with dignity and respect. The Mayor confirmed close collaboration with partners, including GMP, to address these incidents, support those affected, and ensure everyone feels safe. He also noted the increased police presence in the area, serving both investigative purposes and community reassurance.

Councillor Iran Voronov, the council's Reform leader, echoed calls for peace, stressing the importance of residents feeling safe in their neighbourhoods. While affirming the sacred right to peaceful protest, he also acknowledged legitimate concerns raised by residents regarding some HMOs becoming "hotbeds of criminal activity." Councillor Voronov cautioned against dismissing these concerns as solely driven by racism or hatred, which he believes does nothing to ease tensions. He reiterated that all protests must remain peaceful, condemning violence, threats, and incitement to violence, and called on all parties to act in good faith and work collaboratively to address residents' issues.

Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in their ongoing investigation. Anyone with information, including witnesses, or individuals possessing CCTV, doorbell, or mobile phone footage related to these incidents, is urged to contact the police. Reports can be made by calling 0161 856 7137 or 101, quoting incident number 1865 08/10/26. Alternatively, information can be submitted via GMP's website LiveChat function or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.