Clonezone, a store located on Sackville Street in the heart of Manchester City Centre, became the target of another attack on Sunday, 10th September 2023, at approximately 14.00. This incident marks the fifth assault on the establishment in the past four months, leaving local authorities and business owners deeply concerned.
Preliminary investigations into the recent attack suggest that two individuals on a bicycle approached the store. Their apparent intent was to shatter the windows, which were already reinforced with iron bars due to previous assaults on the shop. When their initial attempt failed, the assailants resorted to throwing objects at the doors and security equipment outside the premises. This destructive spree has resulted in an estimated £3,500 worth of damage.
Law enforcement officers, reviewing CCTV footage, have reason to believe that the bicycle used in this latest incident is the same one employed in a previous assault that occurred in May 2023. Detectives are now urging the public to assist in locating the bike and identifying its owner.
A video captured during the most recent attack on Sunday, 10th September 2023, showcases the bike used by the suspects.
Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins, leading the Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) City Centre Neighbourhood Team, emphasised the urgency of the situation. “So far, we have arrested a person, but we know that there is someone out there who knows where this bike is and who it belongs to, and we are urging them to reach out to us,” he stated.
Despite the limited image quality from the CCTV footage, authorities are releasing it in the hope that witnesses may come forward with valuable information. Inspector Wiggins noted the striking similarities among all five attacks on Clonezone, with offenders consistently arriving on bikes to cause substantial damage. He expressed the importance of understanding the motivations behind these attacks to aid in identifying and bringing the culprits to justice.
The continuous assaults on this particular business have raised concerns within the local community. To address these concerns, GMP has dedicated a specialist unit to investigate the incidents while maintaining neighbourhood patrols to protect the establishment and its patrons.
Inspector Wiggins encouraged community engagement, stating, “The neighbourhood officers who are out and about are approachable, so please come and speak to us if you have any concerns or information that may help us.” He emphasised the importance of community intelligence in focusing patrols effectively to apprehend those involved in criminal activities and urged the public to report any suspicious or unusual activity to the police.
Crimestoppers, an independent charity, is offering a £2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Information regarding the bicycle or identification of the individuals in the CCTV images can also be shared by contacting officers at 0161 856 3345 or through the non-emergency number 101.
