Greater Manchester has been named as one of the areas of the UK most at risk of crime around Christmas.
Not-particularly-festive Office of National Statistics (ONS) data has been analysed ahead of the festive season.
The research by ADT found the parts of the UK with the highest year-on-year rise in crime rates in December.
Of all the areas included, Greater Manchester ranked fourth, with a 30.55% increase between December 2020 and December 2021.
The places that were considered to be more of a ‘crime hotspot’ than our hometown were Hampshire, Gloucestershire, and Merseyside.
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When it came to the areas with the most recorded crimes, Greater Manchester placed third.
Christmas crime rates according to ONS and ADT. Credit: ADT
ADT said: “The Greater Manchester area comes in third place on our list. Having one of the highest crime rates in the country, this region saw a year-on-year difference of 26.43% by December 2021.
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“Studies have shown that the Christmas period often brings with it a reported increase in abusive behaviour.
“Therefore, this explains the rise in criminal incidents, especially considering that stalking and harassment was a major contributor to the overall crime rate in this region.”
The study said that Christmas brings an increased risk of theft and home burglaries and issued safety advice.
As well as investing in proper security alarms, security cameras and video doorbells, ADT also reminded people to be mindful of their social media usage around the festive season.
They said: “It is always tempting to share on social media what you got for Christmas but be mindful that posting your valuables, and your location for that matter, can easily make your home an easy target for potential intruders.”
They added people should be mindful to keep their valuables – like presents – out of sight, writing: “As simple as this may sound, it is very easy to get swept up in all the fun and excitement of the festive season that you forget to put your Christmas presents and valuables out of sight.
“Doing this makes a big difference as it won’t attract unwanted attention.”
Featured image: Unsplash
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Daisy Jackson -
15th December 2022 
