New research has revealed the UK regions that should expect to see a spike in crime over the festive season this year… and it’s pretty grim reading for Mancs.
For the second year running now, our region has found itself near the top of the list when it comes to seeing the highest rates of crime over the Christmas holidays, and according to a new study conducted by ADT, 2023 is unfortunately no different.
With what’s supposed to be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ only a few days away now, home security experts have decided to analyse crime rates from December 2020-2022, and have highlighted the percentage difference in crime during the festive period in a bid to reveal where ‘Christmas crime’ is most prevalent.
Cleveland Police still has the highest reported crime rate in 2023, according to the study, with approximately 147.7 recorded crimes per 1,000 population, and more than 5,000 police reports of burglaries in early 2023 – with ONS data revealing 79% of which were residential burglaries.
West Yorkshire Police also stays in second place, with crimes in the county having risen by 20% in 2023, going from a crime rate of 111.61 in December 2021, to 133.8 crimes per 1,000 population by March 2023.
And then, we have Greater Manchester.
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Once again, Greater Manchester Police ranks third for the areas with the highest crime rates in England and Wales, with 129.7 crimes per 1,000 population.
ADT’s research this year found that theft offences accounted for almost a third of all crimes committed in our region by March 2023, while residential burglaries and shoplifting had over 16,000 reported accounts, respectively.
Top 10 Christmas crime ‘hotspots’ in the UK for 2023
Rank
Police force area
Crime rate per 1,000 population
1
Cleveland Police
147.7
2
West Yorkshire Police
133.8
3
Greater Manchester Police
129.7
4
West Midlands Police
125.9
5
Merseyside Police
119.0
6
South Yorkshire Police
116.7
7
Humberside Police
108.1
8
Durham Police
101.8
9
Gwent Police
101.8
10
Metropolitan Police
100.2
Home security expert Michele Bennett, who is ADT UK’s General Manager, has shared some tips on how best to deter uninvited guests from your home during the Christmas period, and says it’s “important to remain vigilant” at this time of year by enhancing your home security.
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“This will ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable holiday experience,” she explains.
“Several proactive measures can be taken to deter intruders throughout the holidays, including installing visible security measures such as smart alarm systems or burglar alarms, with visible cameras and alarms display signs that indicate your home is highly protected.
“Also, secure your doors, windows, and other potential entry points with strong locks and deadbolts… and indoor and outdoor lighting is a good option to maintain a lived-in appearance by using smart plugs connected to lights, motion-sensing cameras, and video doorbells in and around entrances and other key areas of your home to make it less attractive to burglars.”
“The combination of these measures can drastically improve your home’s security,” Michelle concluded.
“As the appearance of an active and protected home is crucial to deterring potential intruders during Christmas and throughout the year.”
Featured Image – ADT
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‘Selling pics of my arse is fun’ – Kate Nash defends using OnlyFans to pay for her UK tour
Thomas Melia
London-born singer Kate Nash has released a statement addressing those who have been commenting on her selling photos of her bum online to fund her new live shows.
Nash, who’s certified her position in UK pop culture with her timeless hit ‘Foundations’, has taken to social media to explain her situation in more detail.
“Don’t be ‘sad’ I started OnlyFans to fund my tours”, the 37-year-old opens in her statement before following up with, “It’s very empowering”.
2008’s winner of Best Female Artist at the BRITs has never been shy of speaking up about issues while in the limelight. Recently, she let her drummer Maxie reveal their top surgery in front of thousands of people onstage at Glastonbury.
In 2013, Kate Nash became the global ambassador for the ‘Because I Am A Girl’ movement which is set up to address the issue of gender discrimination across the world.
She has also been open about her mental health struggles and doesn’t hide the fact she struggles with anxiety and mild OCD, the latter initiated by her extensive touring schedule in 2008.
Her currentlive shows, which she is currently in the middle of, even reinforce her current OnlyFans jolt titled the ‘Butts For Buses Tour’ – cheeky!
The star isn’t taking herself too seriously either, posting to social media in a neon pink lingerie, writing ‘Bum’s gone viral lol, goin on stage now bit busy soz xoxo’.
Many artists have spoken out about this issue including indie pop-rocker Rachel Chinouriri and breakthrough rapper Little Simz, who both cancelled their US string of live shows due to the overwhelming costs of touring.
Nash, who is performing in Manchester tonight (Tuesday, 26 November), also wrote: “My arse is shining a light on the problem”, as tour expenses are growing more and more every day.
Fair play. Anyone who sees their arse – pun very much intended – over this clearly eats too many lemons because they’re just so bitter.
The UK singer’s latest album 9 Sad Symphonies released this summer and marks the fifth studio album for the indie-pop staple, fans and concertgoers alike can expect to hear these songs among all the hits on her current setlist.
Kate Nash is performing at New Century Hall in Manchester tonight and if you’re a fan of the British noughties favourites, there are still a few tickets.
Man arrested after damaging tributes left for Manchester Arena attack victims
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested after causing criminal damage around the Manchester Victoria area yesterday afternoon.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports of a man damaging property around the AO Arena car park at around 3:40pm yesterday (24 November) – including breaking glass and a traffic cone.
Not long after this, damage was then reported to some of the tributes left for victims of the Manchester Arena attack.
Officers from GMP’s City Centre divison responded to the reports, and a 20-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary.
He remains in custody for questioning at this time.
If you are visiting the @AOArena to see @DisneyOnIceUK and you see something that does not feel right. Report this to staff who are specially trained to deal with the matter.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) November 25, 2024
Following the arrest, the damaged items were cleaned up and the area was “respectfully tidied”, GMP confirmed, while relatives of victims of the attack have been contacted by officers regarding the nature of the incident.
GMP is now appealing to the public for information, and for any witnesses to come forward and assist with ongoing investigations.
“Criminal damage and behaviour that disrupts the lives of people going about their daily business is never acceptable,” commented Detective Superintendent Sarah Harris, from GMP’s Manchester district. “And the fact that this incident involved damage to tributes to victims of the arena attack is particularly disgusting, and is something that we have zero tolerance for.
“I want to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances and I am glad a quick arrest was made.
“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with our work and enquires are ongoing.
If you saw anything or believe you may have information that could assist the investigation, you can contact police via 101, or by heading to gmp.police.uk quoting log 2049 of 24/11/24.
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2023 
