Police have issued an appeal for information after city centre residents reported their parcels being stolen.
It’s the third time Greater Manchester Police have issued an appeal of this nature in the space of just one month.
The latest incident occurred in a block of flats on Ludgate Hill, with a parcel stolen from the foyer of the residential building.
It happened at around 1.30pm on Saturday 10 December, with GMP releasing CCTV images of a man they’d like to speak to.
They said in a statement: “If you have seen this man, live or work around the area or were in the vicinity at the time and have CCTV footage or information, get in touch quoting 1555 of 10/12/22.
Ludgate Hill in Manchester. Credit: Google Maps
“You can report any information to GMP by calling 0161 856 3501, 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report via our reporting method on our website www.gmp.police.uk
“Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
There have been similar incidents in the area in recent weeks, with residents around the corner in the Green Quarter also reporting that their parcels had been stolen.
On Wednesday 23 November, it was reported that a man had nicked parcels from the foyer of an apartment block on Lord Street.
Then on Monday 5 December, ‘a number of parcels’ were also stolen, again from an apartment complex in the Green Quarter.
GMP’s CCTV appeal relating to a theft on Wednesday 23 November. Credit: GMPGMP’s CCTV appeal relating to parcels stolen on Monday 5 December. Credit: GMP
Superintendent Paul Walker of City of Manchester’s District said: “With Christmas fast approaching, it is likely that many of us will be ordering goods online and having them delivered to our homes.
“With this in mind, Greater Manchester Police would like to encourage everyone to take appropriate action when ordering items online, ensuring they are protected to prevent parcel theft.
“The issue is particularly prevalent in communal entrances within apartment blocks. It is important to be vigilant and challenge people who want access to the building.
“We are currently investigating the parcel thefts from the Green Quarter and our neighbourhood officers are actively encouraging all residents in the area and across the district to be vigilant when ordering online to communal areas and leaving valuables unattended.
“Our officers are working with partners at apartment complexes and their security staff as well as distributing crime prevention materials such as leaflets and posters to educate the public and delivery drivers of the risk they pose when leaving valuables and parcels unattended.
“The impact of this crime is not to be underestimated, especially at this time of year with many parcels being delivered are Christmas gifts for family, friends and loved ones.”
GMP’s advice to reduce the risk of parcels being stolen from doorsteps or communal areas:
If you have ordered something of high value or if you want to ensure that your items aren’t left unattended, you can request a signature be given on delivery.
Try to book a delivery slot at a time when you know someone will be at home.
Track your parcel to ensure someone will be at home for the delivery.
Consider installing a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile, so you are notified immediately of any delivery.
Arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, family member or friend who will be at home.
If you live in a flat/apartment or student halls, be aware of who you are letting in the gate and building when entering your accommodation. Thieves can often tailgate residents into buildings to gain access and carry out thefts.
If you live in a flat/apartment or student halls, is there a concierge who could accept the parcel for you?
Use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries, or for expensive items; these parcel boxes are more likely to be in busy, safer locations – such as supermarkets – rather than secluded areas which could be targeted by thieves.
Featured image: GMP
News
New £350m sustainable neighbourhood in Stockport given the green light
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for a new ‘walkable and sustainable’ neighbourhood in Stockport town centre.
A major milestone has been reached for Stockport’s transformation, as the new mixed residential mini-village, ‘Stockport 8’ – which was put forward by the local LLP of the same name, set up as part of a partnership between Stockport Council and ECF (English Cities Fund) – has been given the green light, helping to make it one of the most sustainable and liveable town centres in the UK.
The eight-acre site is just one in a series of regeneration projects led by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), as part of ambitious plans to develop land west of the town centre under the ‘Town Centre West’ (TCW) scheme.
The development is a key element of the wider £1 billion investment currently being delivered.
The plans were recommended for approval at Stockport’s central area committee at the end of July, and were then approved at planning committee last week (14 August).
A new £350m sustainable neighbourhood in Stockport has been given the green light / Credit: Supplied
Located on land either side of King Street West and next to the historic viaduct, the £350m mixed residential neighbourhood – which includes many affordable properties – is expected to ‘breathe life’ back into what was once a ‘thriving’ area under the railway arches, connecting Stockport Interchange with nearby communities in the process.
The plans will deliver approximately 1,300 new high-quality homes to suit existing residents and new homeowners moving into the Greater Manchester town in the next decade.
There’ll be be a mix of residential properties, including build-to-rent and owner-occupier – with a range of sizes to meet the needs of different households.
The development is also centred around ‘vibrant’ public spaces where people can meet and relax outdoors, helping to improve the wellbeing of residents, while a pedestrian-only street will run through the centre, again to encourage interaction.
“We’re not adopting a one-size-fits-all approach at Stockport 8,” explained Catherine Chilvers, who is the Managing Director of Stockport MDC.
“Instead, we are investing in high-quality and energy- efficient housing that offers so much more for people at all stages of life.
“The development sets the bar high for town centre living, creating a considered neighbourhood for residents along with leisure and employment opportunities, while outdoor squares, with a multitude of uses, will allow people to feel connected and enable families to grow.”
As detailed in the official appeal by Stockport Police, the white female was wearing black shorts, a red top and a black long-sleeve zip-up before she went missing.
Measuring roughly 5’2″ in height, she has long brown hair and had it tied at the time of her last sighting.
Writing on Facebook, fellow Stopfordian residents wrote, “Her parents are very worried about her. Please share”, and “Please keep your eye out for Freya. Very kind-hearted girl. Let’s get her home safely.”
Helping spread the news on social media, GMP went on to add: “Officers are concerned about Freya and want to ensure she is safe and well.”
The post has been shared in Stockport towns such as Bredbury, Hazel Grove and Marple, as well as further across Greater Manchester and the North West in hopes of tracking her down.
Anyone with any info they think might be of use should call 101 ASAP, quoting 3495 of 17/08/25.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with the anonymous referral service Crimestoppers online, or over the phone via 0800 555 111.
Last but not least, if you have urgent information regarding anyone’s safety or a crime being committed, please dial 999 immediately.
Daisy Jackson -
20th December 2022 
