News

Police issue THIRD appeal over parcels being stolen from apartment block foyers

GMP have offered advice for how to stop your parcels being nicked.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 20th December 2022

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: GMP
GMP’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.

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“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

‘No suspicious circumstances’ ruled as body found in search for missing Manchester man Adeo Alston-Ekpei

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Fundraiser launched to find missing 'beautiful soul' Adeo Alston

A body has now been found in the search for missing Manchester man, Adeo Alston-Ekpei.

The 25-year-old was last seen in Fletcher Moss Park in Didsbury at around 3pm on Friday 16 May, before later being seen walking down Kingsway away from Manchester and close to the River Mersey, at around 5.20pm that same day.

Multiple lines of enquiry were being explored by police, and some CCTV footage of his last-known movements was released to the public earlier this month.

At the time of the CCTV footage being released, a spokesperson for Adeo’s family described the missing man as ‘kind, funny, and intelligent’ with a ‘huge heart’, but they say he ‘wasn’t himself when he disappeared’.

Adeo missing man Fletcher Moss Park Didsbury
A body has now been found in the search for missing Manchester man, Adeo Alston-Ekpei / Credit: GMP / Family Handout

“He may have come across as agitated, lost, or confused,” the spokesperson admitted. “In his last call to his mum, he was in a very vulnerable state.”

Now, after over a month of dedicated searches by all involved, detectives at Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed they recovered a body on Schools Hill in Cheadle last week.

Whilst formal identification is still to take place, the body is believed to be that of Adeo.

Police say Adeo’s family have been informed of this development, and continue to be supported through this extremely difficult time.

“We would like to thank everyone who has shared our appeals and passed their well wishes onto Adeo’s loved ones throughout this extensive search,” GMP said in a formal statement. “We would now ask that the family be allowed privacy.”

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It was also confirmed that there appears to be ‘no suspicious circumstances’ surrounding Adeo’s death, and a file will now be passed to the coroner.

Featured Image – GMP

News

Four rare African ducklings have been hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time

Danny Jones Danny Jones

More conversation celebration down the road at Chester Zoo, as the award-winning wildlife park has welcomed four African ducklings who belong to a rare breed.

As is so often the case with the work they do all year-round, their arrival could help signal the species’ survival in the long run, whose status was sadly upgraded from vulnerable to endangered on the official IUCN Red List.

The particular type of fowl we’re referring to is the Maccao duck, a stiff-tailed bird that typically belongs to the fresh and brackish inland waters of Eastern and Southern Africa.

Medium-sized, chunky, with big bills and subtle striping around their heads, they’re gorgeous creatures as is, but especially so as ducklings…

rare african ducklings hatched at chester zoo
‘It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die‘ (Credit: Chester Zoo)

If you didn’t say ‘awww’ out loud, then you’re just lying.

As the Zoo itself put it, they are “rare, fluffy and VERY cute.” Celebrating what is “a breeding breakthrough for one of Africa’s rarest ducks […] so these little guys are kind of a big deal.”

These little delightful little duckies are known for diving down to the bottom of lakes and riverbeds to forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants; in fact, given the choice, they tend to prefer going underwater over flying pretty much full-stop.

As a resident species that doesn’t migrate like many other birds, they are native to nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. They’re identifiable by their dark black heads, blue bills (among the males, at least) and presence within the wetlands.

However, their estimated numbers continue to drop, and unfortunately, just 14 of their kind currently remain in Kenya and only 100 in Tanzania, with fewer than 5,000 believed to be left across the entire African continent.

Not only is this the first time the species has ever been successfully bred by bird experts at Chester Zoo, but conservationists hope ducklings will put a spotlight on the threatened species.

rare african ducks chester zoo
Their scientific name is ‘Oxyura maccoa’.
maccao ducks chester zoo
Just like human babies, they prone to stuff all over their face.
As far as ducklings go, these adorable little African variants are pretty special. (Credit: Supplied)

The zoo’s Head of Birds, Andrew Owen, said of their birth: “As one of just seven zoos in Europe – and 12 zoos globally – that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they’re the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team,

“This success gives a real boost to the future of the species, and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.

“To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa’s most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.”

Nothing short of brilliant news, we’re sure you’ll agree; better still, in addition to the crucially charitable and conversation-based tourist attraction being named one of England’s most popular destinations once again, but these are the only rare birds welcome by the zookeepers this month.

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Featured Images — Chester Zoo (supplied)

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