Boy Arrested Amid Vandalism Spree Targeting Homes with Anti-HMO Graffiti
Police investigate a series of criminal damage incidents in Salford, with slogans linking properties to Houses in Multiple Occupation and potentially anti-immigration sentiments.
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following a spree of vandalism in Salford, where homes and vehicles were defaced with graffiti, including anti-House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) slogans. The incidents, which occurred over the past week in the Lower Broughton and Kersal areas, saw 'no HMO' scrawled on houses, while one car had its windows smashed and was marked with the same phrase and 'R dirty old town'.
One property on Albert Park Road reportedly had five smashed windows with 'no HMO' painted over boarding. Another house on Nelson Street was marked with 'f*** Labour, no HMO'. It remains unclear if anyone was residing in the targeted houses.
Chief Inspector Lee Gridley of Greater Manchester Police described the incidents as reflecting a 'pattern of behaviour' and stated that officers will act within the law where criminal activity thresholds are crossed. "We will not tolerate incidents where properties are damaged or individuals are subjected to criminal acts," he said.
The vandalism comes amid broader national discussions and protests concerning the use of HMOs for housing asylum seekers. Banners with messages such as 'say no to migrant HMOs' were reportedly removed in a nearby area earlier in the week. Locals interviewed by the Manchester Evening News suggested the vandalism was politically motivated and linked to anti-immigration sentiments.
An HMO is typically defined as a property shared by three or more unrelated individuals. The UK government's program of 'dispersed accommodation' for migrants, aimed at moving away from hotels, has led to some migrants being housed in HMOs in residential areas, sparking protests in various locations across the country. These have sometimes escalated to violence, with incidents reported in Thetford and Watton.
Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, emphasized that there is no place for hate, violence, or discrimination in the city, and authorities are working with Greater Manchester Police to respond to these incidents and ensure community safety. He added that Salford's motto, 'the welfare of the people is the highest law,' guides their response.
Home Office figures indicate that a significant number of asylum seekers are housed in 'other' accommodation, which often comprises flats or houses set up as HMOs. The police are urging anyone with information about the graffiti to come forward.