Boy, 13, Arrested in Graffiti Spree Targeting Homes and Cars in Salford Estate

Homes and cars on a Salford estate were defaced with graffiti, including anti-House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) slogans, leading to the arrest of a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage.

The vandalism spree saw slogans such as 'no HMO' scrawled across houses, while one vehicle had its windscreen and windows smashed with similar messages and 'R dirty old town' written on it.

One property on Albert Park Road reportedly had five smashed windows with 'no HMO' painted over boarded-up sections. Another house on Nelson Street bore the message 'f*** Labour, no HMO'. Similar incidents, including smashed windows and graffiti, were also reported in the Kersal area.

Chief Inspector Lee Gridley stated that the incidents reflect a 'pattern of behaviour' in the borough and that police will not tolerate criminal activity. "There is a clear distinction between protest, and criminal activity, and where this threshold is crossed, our officers will act in full accordance with the law," Gridley said.

The houses in question on Albert Park Road were reportedly built in 2025, and there has been no planning application to convert them into HMOs, according to the Manchester Evening News. Earlier in the week, banners with the message 'say no to migrant HMOs' were removed in a nearby area.

Locals believe the vandalism is politically motivated and linked to anti-immigration sentiments. One resident, Steven, 46, expressed concern about the potential increase in HMOs, noting changes in the neighborhood atmosphere with more groups of young men congregating. Another local told MEN that people are "listening to rumours and making assumptions about people."

An HMO is typically defined as a property shared by three or more unrelated individuals, such as students or professionals.

The use of HMOs to house migrants has become a point of contention nationwide. The government's program of 'dispersed accommodation' for migrants, intended to move away from hotels, has seen some individuals placed in HMOs in residential areas, which has sparked protests in various locations, including Thetford and Watton.

Salford's Mayor, Paul Dennett, condemned the acts, stating, "There is no place for hate, violence, intimidation or discrimination in our city." He affirmed that authorities are working with Greater Manchester Police to respond to incidents, support those affected, and ensure residents feel safe. Extra police officers have been deployed to the area for the investigation and community reassurance.

Home Office figures indicate that nearly 97,519 people were receiving asylum support at the end of March, with a significant portion housed in 'dispersed' accommodation, often comprising flats or houses set up as HMOs.

Manchester Police are urging anyone with information regarding the graffiti to come forward. Reports can be made by calling 0161 856 7137 or 101, quoting reference 1865 08/10/26, or through the Greater Manchester Police website. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.