Police from Rochdale's Complex Safeguarding Team - in conjunction with Trading Standards - seize over £12,000 of illegal vapes

Date published: 01 August 2023

During a day of action for Operation Vigilant on Friday - Rochdale's response to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) - officers acted on intelligence and attended a warehouse in the Middleton area, where approximately 1,000 illegal vapes were seized.

Officers also assisted trading standards with test purchasing and compliance visits at other shops, to identify if there were any other illegal vapes being sold in the area. Another 18 were found at a premises in the town centre, which were being sold from under the counter.

A legal vape permits 600 puffs of e-liquids but illegal vapes can contain 12,000 puffs of e-liquids. It can also be classed as illegal if they contain high levels of nicotine.

During the day of action, officers from Operation Vigilant followed up on work already completed during Operation Colbalt - part of the national initiative, Operation Makesafe - which seeks to educate workers in the hotel industry and help them be more aware of potential CSE or CCE taking place in their establishments.

GMP officers identified that training around exploitation is not held within most of the hotels and same sex exploitation was not recognised. Many hotel staff workers felt that if there was something unusual about the circumstances and they had concerns about youngsters, they did not have the confidence to speak out.

These are the areas that GMP have identified and will address the educational gaps in the training of hotel staff in the Rochdale borough.

Also as part of the day of action, checks were made on individuals who are on bail to determine that all were complying with their bail conditions, and vehicles were identified where intelligence had suggested drugs and vapes were being sold from.

Sergeant of the Complex Safeguarding team in Rochdale, Jess Bryant, said: "The aim of our Op Vigilant days of action, which happen once a month, is to pursue the intelligence that we receive from members of the community via our force contact centre, when someone dials 101.

"Today, we have covered a wide variety of areas and next month it could be something completely different. We endeavour to uncover any activity that may lead to the criminal or sexual exploitation of children and stop it in its tracks.

"If anyone has any information regarding something that may be going on in the community or if they believe a child is being criminally or sexually exploited, then we urge them to contact us via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website www.gmp.police.uk.

"Information can also be passed via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in emergency."

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare or have any information regarding any activities being carried out in the borough of Rochdale that are worrying to you, you are asked to contact Greater Manchester Police via gmp.police.uk or by dialling 101. You can also share information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE or CCE?

Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting"); increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

• Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
• Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.