Families have been caught in a wave of vandalism targeting homes in Salford, Greater Manchester, with perpetrators believed to be focusing on properties housing asylum seekers. The attacks, which involve smashed windows, graffiti, and vandalized cars, have left residents fearful and some forced to leave their homes. In many instances, the damage has inadvertently affected long-term residents who are not housing asylum seekers.
Greater Manchester Police are investigating 46 reports of criminal damage that have occurred since October 5, with the majority of the vandalism taking place under the cover of darkness.
One victim, a 56-year-old Black man who has lived in his home for nine years, described the shock of finding his living room window smashed and the words 'No HMO' scrawled across it. He stated he was unaware of the meaning of 'HMO' and had never encountered such a message before. The incident has left him feeling unsafe in his own neighborhood.
Elderly residents have also been affected, with one 85-year-old woman living next to a boarded-up property. She expressed disgust at the vandalism, noting that her neighborhood has changed significantly over the 48 years she has lived there.
The attacks have occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding asylum accommodation across Britain, including protests at hotels housing asylum seekers. In Cambridgeshire, a blaze occurred at a former sheltered housing complex that had been earmarked for asylum-seeking mothers and babies.
Local councillors and Salford City Council have condemned the intimidation and warned about the spread of misinformation on social media.
Authorities believe that some adults may be exploiting children to carry out the vandalism. Three men have been arrested in connection with the incidents. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage, while two other men, aged 46 and 39, were arrested and later bailed. A 13-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of criminal damage was also released on police bail. \nChief Superintendent Marcus Noden stated that police are taking the spate of damage extremely seriously and are targeting offenders, including those believed to be using and exploiting children.
Salford was estimated to have over 3,000 Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in 2024-25. The council has implemented stricter planning rules to manage the concentration of HMOs in residential areas.
Residents have reported instances of a severed pig's head being left outside a vandalized building, and graffiti such as 'No HMO' scrawled on doors and windows. 
Cllr Barbara Bentham, Salford council's community safety lead, emphasized that criminal damage, particularly to homes, is unacceptable and that all residents have a right to feel safe. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them.