The Manchester Evening News investigated clips showing women being filmed “without their knowledge“, often in vulnerable situations, with footage frequently focusing on their chests and clothing.
The viral nightlife videos are reportedly filmed on Peter Street and Deansgate.
Speaking to the BBC, a 23-year-old woman revealed she was unaware of being filmed until she saw one of the videos, saying, “I have no words really, other than it just made me feel a bit sick”.
Similar videos have amassed millions of views and have also been recorded in London, Liverpool, and Leeds.
During the investigation, Greater Manchester Police discovered additional content behind paywalled accounts, which featured footage of “suspected non-consensual nudity and upskirting”.
Chief Inspector at Greater Manchester Police, Stephen Wiggins, responded to the arrest, saying, “Filming in public is legal, however where this filming crosses the line into offences such as upskirting, stalking or harassment, it’s important that we don’t allow that behaviour. […] Everyone has the right to feel safe as they enjoy a night out, and these videos have made people, particularly women, not feel like that, which we can’t tolerate”.
Approximately 60 police officers have been sent to City Centre hotspots every Friday and Saturday night to “look out for any behaviour that appears predatory in nature” as part of ‘Operation Custodian’.
