Manchester, known for its vibrant culture and bustling energy, is one of the most dynamic cities in northwest England. However, like any major urban centre, it faces challenges with crime in certain areas. In this article, we explore the top 10 most dangerous areas in Manchester.
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Is Manchester a Dangerous City?
Manchester has been identified as the second least secure postcode area in the UK, according to research by Confused.com. The study evaluated 32 key factors, including the number of police officers, crime rates per 1,000 people, the presence of CCTV cameras, and residents’ perceptions of safety.
The report highlighted a total of 92,483 reported crimes in Manchester, with burglary standing out as one of the most common offences. On average, the city experiences 15 burglaries per 1,000 residents, underscoring a notable concern for community safety.
Which Parts of Manchester Are Dangerous?
With crime rates being a concern in Manchester, it’s important to understand which areas are most affected. Using recent crime statistics, we’ve identified the top 10 most dangerous areas in Manchester, with the highest numbers of reported incidents. This helps show where crime is most common and what residents and visitors should know.
1. Moss Side
Moss Side tops the list of the most dangerous areas in Manchester. The neighbourhood is frequently associated with violent crimes, often linked to gang activity and drug-related offences. Theft is also a common issue, adding to the area’s reputation for high crime levels.
2. Beswick
Beswick is often troubled by high levels of anti-social behaviour, as well as theft and vandalism. Roadside crimes are also reported occasionally, further contributing to safety concerns in the area. While local authorities are working to address the rising crime rates in East Manchester, tackling these challenges remains a complex and ongoing effort.
3. Blackley
Blackley has long been associated with high crime rates, especially anti-social behaviour and other crimes. However, as the area gradually develops, local authorities are put in a better position to help tackle these issues. In addition, new policies and initiatives are being introduced to improve both security and the quality of life for residents.
4. Wythenshawe
Wythenshawe has become an attractive area for business investment, given it is one of the largest housing estates in Europe. These investments, alongside ongoing development, have helped to reduce crime rates over time.
However, the area still grapples with its fair share of challenges, with anti-social behaviour, theft, and vandalism remaining persistent issues. While Wythenshawe has seen progress, it continues to grapple with violent crime and other forms of anti-social activity.
5. Cheetham Hill
Cheetham Hill has long struggled with various criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and drug-related offences. Due to its proximity to the Manchester City Centre, the area has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and other illegal activities.
However, recent efforts to combat crime have led to significant improvements. Though even despite this, the area still seems to continue facing challenges related to criminal behaviour.
6. Longsight
Longsight has a high crime rate, with problems like gang violence, anti-social behaviour, and theft. Gang-related clashes are a common issue, causing safety concerns in the area. Anti-social behaviour and theft have been causing public disturbances, affecting the community.
Despite efforts from local authorities to tackle these crimes, Longsight still faces ongoing challenges in improving safety for its residents.
7. Ancoats
Once a crime hotspot, Ancoats has seen significant transformation due to regeneration projects, which have helped reduce its high levels of criminal activity. However, the area still experiences mixed reports, occasionally grappling with anti-social behaviour and various forms of street crime. While improvements have been made, these issues persist from time to time.
8. Harpurhey
Harpurhey has recently seen a significant increase in crime, with a particular rise in violent incidents. In addition to this, the areas has a long-standing history of theft and public order offences, which has contributed to its negative reputation. These ongoing issues continue to affect the community, making it one of the more problematic areas in Manchester in terms of crime and safety. Despite efforts to improve the situation, Harpurhey still struggles with a variety of criminal activities that shape its public image.
9. Hulme
Hulme struggles with pockets of high crime, particularly violent offences. Despite improvements in some parts of the neighbourhood, issues like assaults and gang-related violence continue to pose a safety concern. These ongoing problems highlight how making progress in certain areas doesn’t always eliminate crime in others.
10. Gorton
Some parts of Gorton experience higher-than-average crime rates, which usually include property crimes like theft, burglary, and vandalism. These issues contribute to safety concerns for residents of the area. While efforts are being made to improve the situation, property crimes continue to be a problem in certain areas of Gorton.
What Crimes Happen the Most in Manchester?
When identifying the most dangerous areas in Manchester, it’s essential to consider not only the overall crime rates but also the types of crimes occurring. Violent crimes, in particular, are a key factor, as they directly impact the safety and well-being of individuals. To determine which neighbourhoods are the roughest, it’s important to focus on these violent offences.
According to crime data from crimesinmyarea, the most common crimes in the city are:
| Type of Crime | Percentage of All Crime |
|---|---|
| Violence and Sexual Offences | 55.0 |
| Public Order | 12.9 |
| Other Theft | 8.6 |
| Drugs | 6.4 |
| Criminal Damage and Arson | 4.3 |
| Anti-Social Behaviour | 2.9 |
| Other Crime | 2.9 |
| Theft from the Person | 2.9 |
| Shoplifting | 1.4 |
| Vehicle Crime | 1.4 |
| Bicycle Theft | 0.7 |
| Robbery | 0.7 |
Conclusion
Every city has its safer and more dangerous areas, and Manchester is no exception. Businesses understandably want to protect themselves and their staff from becoming victims of crime. One effective way to reduce the risk of being targeted is by hiring a security company.
A security company can monitor CCTV cameras to help keep track of your premises or provide security guards to create a visible presence, which helps deter potential criminals. They can also assess your current security measures and offer recommendations to make your business safe.
To stay informed on the latest news from the North West, visit our News & Insights page, where you can find articles on topics like Is Manchester Safe? or Is Liverpool Safer Than Manchester?
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