Key Points
- Greater Manchester Police are concerned about the possibility of children being amongst the vulnerable individuals who are recruited and paid money for damaging HMOs.
- The force is currently investigating fifty reports of criminal damage to HMOs or properties that look like HMOs that have taken place since 5 October 2026.
- The majority of these incidents have been taking place in Salford, while there have also been some reports from Tameside and Stockport.
- Damages have included broken windows and doors, graffiti which says ‘No HMO’, brick damages on the windows, vehicle damages and in one case, the head of a pig has been found at a property.
- There have also been four arrests made this week, all males, with ages 46, 39, 33 and 42, all on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and causing criminal damage respectively.
- A 13-year-old boy had already been arrested before and released on police bail for being involved in Salford incidents.
- According to Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden, there are indications that vulnerable individuals are being exploited and paid money for damaging HMOs.
Manchester Police (Manchester Mirror) October 24, 2026 — Greater Manchester Police believe criminals may be recruiting children and other vulnerable people to carry out a wave of criminal damage against houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) across the city region. The force is investigating 50 reports of damage to properties that are either HMOs or have been mistaken for HMOs since the incidents began on 5 October.
As reported by ITV Granada Reports, many of the affected houses or flats have had windows and doors smashed and have been daubed in paint with the words “No HMO”. More than 40 reports came from Salford, while four properties in Stalybridge, Dukinfield and Denton in Tameside were targeted overnight between 20 and 21 October.
What Have Police Said About Children?
Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden of Greater Manchester Police said the force suspects vulnerable people are being exploited and paid to damage buildings they believe are HMOs. As reported by ITV Granada Reports and Hits Radio, he said:
“Some of those being exploited are believed to be children and this is just one line of enquiry that we are pursuing.”
The police chief added: “This recent spate of damage is not being tolerated.” He said four people had been arrested in connection with the investigation that week alone and that communities could expect further action from GMP.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, GMP is investigating 50 incidents across Salford, Tameside and Stockport in almost three weeks. The force said the properties targeted were either HMOs or properties mistaken for HMOs.
Who Has Been Arrested?
A 42-year-old man was arrested on Friday, 23 October, on suspicion of causing criminal damage at an address in Salford overnight. As reported by the Manchester Evening News and ITV Granada Reports, he remained in custody for questioning.
Earlier in the week, three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage. As reported by ITV Granada Reports, they were aged 46, 39 and 33; the 46-year-old and 39-year-old were arrested on 20 October and later released on bail, while the 33-year-old was arrested on 21 October.
A 13-year-old boy was also previously arrested in connection with the Salford incidents on 8 October. As reported by BBC News, he has been released on police bail while the investigation continues.
Why Are HMOs Being Targeted?
HMOs are properties where three or more unrelated people live. As reported by BBC News, police believe HMOs and properties mistaken for HMOs are being deliberately targeted, with many incidents following a similar pattern.
The Guardian reported that the houses were being targeted because they were thought to hold immigrants. GMP has said the offences are being treated as potentially racially or religiously motivated, although the investigation remains ongoing.
As reported by BBC News, Chief Superintendent Noden said social media was partly behind the spate of “racially or religiously motivated” attacks. He said footage of criminal damage was being shared widely, followed by comments and discussions, and that people were using social media to “push the message out across different areas”.
What Damage Has Been Reported?
The reported damage includes smashed windows, doors removed from frames, graffiti opposing HMOs, bricks thrown through windows and damage to vehicles. As reported by BBC News, up to 50 residences in Salford and nearby parts of Greater Manchester have been affected in recent weeks.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, incidents have also included a severed pig’s head left at one residence’s entrance. The same report said one family home was mistakenly attacked in what police described as a case of mistaken identity.
In Tameside, four suspected HMOs in Denton, Dukinfield and Stalybridge were vandalised with broken windows and the phrase “NO HMOS” written on walls. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Tameside council said the vandalism was believed to have happened overnight between 20 and 21 October.
What Is GMP Doing?
GMP has launched Operation Engage in response to the incidents. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the operation includes round-the-clock patrols monitoring HMOs, along with a dedicated team carrying out investigations and reviewing CCTV footage.
Detectives are also examining social media posts and monitoring online coverage of the incidents. As reported by BBC News, specially trained officers are looking into material being circulated online.
GMP has urged anyone with information to contact the force online or by calling 101. As reported by Yahoo News, details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Background of the Development
The reports began on 5 October in Salford, where more than 40 incidents were initially recorded. As reported by ITV Granada Reports, the number of reports later rose to 49 and then 50 as further damage was reported in Tameside and Stockport.
Earlier reporting by BBC News said the first 25 linked incidents involved smashed windows, vandalism and graffiti across different parts of Salford. At that stage, Ch Insp Lee Gridley said inquiries indicated that HMOs and properties mistaken for HMOs were being targeted.
The Institute of Race Relations reported that the attacks followed false social media rumours claiming HMOs were being used to accommodate migrants. It also reported that residents had described being left terrified by an anti-HMO campaign involving damage to properties and cars.
Prediction: How This Could Affect Greater Manchester Residents
The development is likely to increase concern among HMO residents, landlords, neighbours and families living near targeted properties. If police confirm that children are being used to carry out offences, local safeguarding agencies, schools and community organisations may face greater pressure to identify and protect young people at risk of criminal exploitation.
For HMO residents, continued incidents could heighten fears about safety and property security, particularly where homes have been mistaken for HMOs. Landlords and managing agents may also face additional costs from repairs, security measures and insurance claims, while residents in Salford, Tameside and Stockport may see a continued police presence as Operation Engage continues.
