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.”
Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
News
TfGM issues statement as ‘essential’ work begins on three major Metrolink lines across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Passengers are being urged to plan ahead as no trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester lines for the next two weeks.
If you need bringing up to speed a little, as part of the ongoing £150m investment into Greater Manchester’s tram network, essential improvement work is being carried out on three major Metrolink lines across the region in a bid to make the network ‘safer’ and ‘more resilient and reliable for passengers’ for years to come.
This means that from today (Monday 19 October) through to Sunday 1 November, tram improvement works will take place at Deansgate-Castlefield, and Trafford Bar.
Additional works will also take place in the city centre during this time, allowing TfGM to keep closures of the tram network to a minimum.
During the dates above, no trams will run on the Altrincham, Trafford Centre, and Eccles lines.
A number of shuttle bus services will the running over the course of the two-week closure, however – with services arriving every 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the line, and you can find a full list of these here.
But despite the alternative services, widespread disruption is still expected for hundreds of people.
TfGM has issued a statement on the works being carried out, and offered support to anyone who may need it: “This is essential work that will help keep our tram network safe, reliable and fit for the future. We’re sorry for the disruption and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure people can still get around while it’s taking place.
“We’ve listened carefully to feedback from customers during previous closures and have introduced more direct shuttle buses between key locations and extra buses on local Bee Network routes.
“If you use any of the affected lines, now is the time to check your travel plans.
“We’d encourage everyone to visit the Bee Network website or app before travelling so they can see the options available to them and allow extra time where necessary.”
Services will resume on these lines from start of service on Monday 2 November.
However there will be some minor route changes through the city centre in place from Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 November, so it’s important to check your journey before you travel.
The Manc -
1st June 2022 
