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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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“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

Price caps and standardisations to be introduced for vet care in UK following major investigation

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Dog at the vets

Reforms to the veterinary industry to help pet owners better navigate the vet services market are set to be introduced this year.

After an independent inquiry group recently found that the current system is leaving pet owners ‘in the dark’, with a lack of information to help make informed decisions leading to weak competition and high prices, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has this week concluded its investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK.

The final report green-lights a package of measures to make the market more competitive, easier to navigate, and more responsive to pet owners’ needs.

It outlines the final remedies and recommendations, which together, will transform the market.

Remedies and recommendations in the report range from price caps and standardisations, through to upfront cost transparency.

Practices will soon be required to publish a comprehensive price list for standard services – including consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options – so pet owners know up-front how much certain services are expected to cost.

They’ll also have to make it clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business, and provide a written estimate in advance for any treatment expected to cost £500 or more (including aftercare costs), plus an itemised bill.

Written prescription fees are set to be capped at £21 for the first medicine, and then £12.50 for any additional medicines.

Price caps and standardisations are set to be introduced for vet care in UK / Credit: Pxhere

There’s also set to be changes to the complaints process, as practices will now be required to follow a transparent, accessible, in-house complaints process, and engage in mediation where disputes cannot be resolved.

The CMA says an ‘unprecedented’ response from both the public and the sector has helped to shape the final report.

The next step is for the Government to respond to the report formally – with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds, commenting: “We are grateful for all the work of the Competition and Markets Authority, and we will respond to the report and set out next steps for our proposed reforms in due course.

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“This Government is focused on helping families save money on vet services by improving transparency and choice around pricing, so the public can make informed decisions about their pets’ care.”

Featured Image – Pxhere

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Police release footage of Manchester burglar who tried to evade arrest by hiding under a bed

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Police have released unseen footage of a Manchester burglar who tried to evade arrest and justice by hiding under a bed.

David Dale Thompson, of no fixed abode, appeared at Manchester Crown Court last week (18 March) where he was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of residential burglary at an earlier hearing.

The 43-year-old was caught early last year (15 January 2025) following proactive patrols by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) neighbourhood officers across Rusholme and Moss Side, who were in the area due to a high number of reports of burglaries in the weeks prior.

While on patrol, police spotted Thompson ‘acting suspiciously’ while riding a bike just before 5pm, and once officer subsequently followed him to a property on Boscombe Street, before calling for more officers to attend.

After gaining entry to the address, officers suspected something was wrong when they entered one of the rooms, and after lifting up the bed, they found Thompson hiding in the storage compartment attempting to evade arrest.

GMP has now released footage of the moment Thompson was caught.

Speaking following Thompson’s sentencing last week, Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald, of GMP’s Manchester Central Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “This was a fantastic example of proactive policing, which has resulted in a serial offender now behind bars.

“We know how devastating a burglary in your own home can be and this shows our commitment to tackling them head on.

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“If you have any information or concerns about neighbourhood crime in your area, make sure you speak to us. In the meantime, we have officers on regular patrols in areas that need us the most.”

Featured Image – GMP

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