A hidden doorway concealed behind bin bags in a Rochdale shop led officers to a bizarre discovery during a major crackdown on illegal activity. A week-long operation brought together housing enforcement, Trading Standards, environmental health officers, benefit fraud investigators and community safety teams, supported by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Electricity North West (ENW), to carry out more than 60 unannounced inspections across Rochdale town centre.

What officers uncovered was a mix of unsafe conditions and illegal activity. Several properties were found operating unlicensed accommodation, with serious breaches of housing and safety regulations. Two premises on Yorkshire Street were shut down by Trading Standards after being caught selling illicit tobacco.

Further inspections revealed tampered electricity meters and multiple fire safety hazards. One business on Yorkshire Street was immediately disconnected from the power supply by ENW after being declared unsafe.

Housing enforcement officers also identified widespread issues with poor rental standards and unlawful accommodation. Random checks across the town centre exposed properties being used as housing without the correct licensing or minimum safety requirements in place.

In one case, officers discovered a concealed entrance inside a Yorkshire Street shop, hidden behind stacked goods and bin bags. The doorway led to rental rooms above the premises, which have now been referred to planning enforcement for further investigation.

Alongside enforcement action, community safety teams stepped up patrols across the town centre to tackle antisocial behaviour, working closely with GMP. Officers also carried out public engagement, running information stalls and speaking directly with residents and visitors.

Lianne Davies, assistant director of public health and communities, said: “The borough has so much to offer and residents and visitors deserve to feel pride in the community.

"The Operation Tetbury enforcement activities are another example of the council and its partners successfully collaborating to make our borough an even better place to live, work and visit.”

Inspector Meena Yasin of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Team added: “We have established a really strong partnership response between GMP and Rochdale Borough Council to make Rochdale town centre safe and welcoming for everyone. We look forward to continuing this partnership and delivering the objectives of Operation Tetbury.”

Operation Tetbury brings together the council, GMP, Rochdale Business Improvement District, Rochdale Development Agency, local businesses and the wider community to improve safety, tackle illegal activity and strengthen the town centre’s reputation for visitors and investment.