Manchester has been named the second “most dangerous” place to live in the UK for burglaries, according to a new study.
According to new research carried out by insurance comparison platform, Confused.com – which analysed the number of burglaries across the country between 2017 and 2021 – only the North East city of Middlesbrough had a higher burglary rate than Manchester, which saw an average of 7.11 thefts per 1,000 people last year.
The data show that city’s rate is more than double the UK national average of 2.60 thefts per 1,000 people.
It’s not just the city itself that has ranked highly though, as all Greater Manchester boroughs were among the top 50 most burgled areas of the UK, according to the study – with Bolton and Stockport also featuring in the top 10.
Bolton saw 6.57 burglaries per 1,000 people were reported to police, while there were 6.10 per 1,000 population in Stockport.
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Top 10 Most Burgled Areas of the UK
Middlesbrough
Manchester
Doncaster
Hackney
Kensington and Chelsea
Bolton
Haringey
Birmingham
Stockport
Hammersmith and Fulham
With all that being said, the data shows that there has generally been a drop in burglary rates across nationwide year on year, with Manchester seeing a 35.9% decrease since 2017.
The rate plummeted 30.7% in Bolton, and 37% in Stockport too.
On the other end of the spectrum though, the data shows that Trafford is regarded as the safest area of the Greater Manchester region – with 5.03 burglaries per 1,000 people in 2021.
Speaking on the findings of the new research, Jessica Willock – Home Insurance Expert at Confused.com – said: “Although burglary rates seem to be dropping year on year, it’s still as important to make sure your home is safe.
“Security cameras and burglary alarms aren’t only a great deterrent from potential thieves, but having them could reduce your home insurance prices.
“Our guide to protecting your home from burglars outlines some of the most effective ways of keeping your house safe, and this includes some simple changes, such as investing in smart home security [as] nowadays, technology has advanced to give us cheap, easy to install smart home devices such as doorbells and automated lights.
“These let you know who’s outside without you needing to go near the door.”
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
1st June 2022 
