Greater Manchester has been named as one of the areas of the UK most at risk of crime around Christmas.
Not-particularly-festive Office of National Statistics (ONS) data has been analysed ahead of the festive season.
The research by ADT found the parts of the UK with the highest year-on-year rise in crime rates in December.
Of all the areas included, Greater Manchester ranked fourth, with a 30.55% increase between December 2020 and December 2021.
The places that were considered to be more of a ‘crime hotspot’ than our hometown were Hampshire, Gloucestershire, and Merseyside.
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When it came to the areas with the most recorded crimes, Greater Manchester placed third.
ADT said: “The Greater Manchester area comes in third place on our list. Having one of the highest crime rates in the country, this region saw a year-on-year difference of 26.43% by December 2021.
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“Studies have shown that the Christmas period often brings with it a reported increase in abusive behaviour.
“Therefore, this explains the rise in criminal incidents, especially considering that stalking and harassment was a major contributor to the overall crime rate in this region.”
The study said that Christmas brings an increased risk of theft and home burglaries and issued safety advice.
As well as investing in proper security alarms, security cameras and video doorbells, ADT also reminded people to be mindful of their social media usage around the festive season.
They said: “It is always tempting to share on social media what you got for Christmas but be mindful that posting your valuables, and your location for that matter, can easily make your home an easy target for potential intruders.”
They added people should be mindful to keep their valuables – like presents – out of sight, writing: “As simple as this may sound, it is very easy to get swept up in all the fun and excitement of the festive season that you forget to put your Christmas presents and valuables out of sight.
“Doing this makes a big difference as it won’t attract unwanted attention.”
Featured image: Unsplash
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.