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: 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.
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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
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
Daisy Jackson -
20th December 2022 
