Popular city centre hangout Mala has revealed that it was the target of a robbery that wiped out its “entire stock” last night.
The unique secret garden – which is known as a “an escape from city life within the city” – can be found hidden in plain sight on Lever Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter, and has been drawing it crowds over the festive season after having recently been transformed into a new ‘Winter Village’.
Mala’s Winter Village is complete with ski cabins, heated Alpine chalets, charming outdoor garden spaces, and a festive food and drink menu that’s provided by some much-loved independent traders.
It really is the perfect place to spend an evening this Christmas.
But sadly, the owners of the venue confirmed that the “last thing we wanted to happen has happened” when they were robbed in the early hours of this morning.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mala has revealed that it was the target of a robbery that wiped out its “entire stock” last night / Credit: Instagram (@mala_mcr)
Revealing the news and details of the targeted break-in and robbery in an Instagram post, Mala said: “The last thing we wanted to happen has happened… We got robbed.
“Luckily nothing is permanently damaged, but we will have to open slightly later today.
ADVERTISEMENT
“They knew exactly where to hit us. Wiped our entire stock. Whilst dealing with Xmas booking cancellations this truly is an unwanted situation.
“We hope everyone else in the NQ area stays safe.”
Mala Winter Village is known as a “an escape from city life within the city” / Credit: Instagram (@mala_mcr)
Mala also shared several photos of break-in damage, as well as a clip from the CCTV footage that captured the robbers in action.
The stolen stock’s worth is believed to have amounted to around £15,000.
The owners of the venue also advised other businesses in the Northern Quarter and around Manchester to “take extra precautions to avoid this happening to you”.
Appeal for information after serious bus-cyclist collision on Deansgate
Daisy Jackson
Police have launched an appeal for information following a serious road traffic collision on Deansgate, which has left a cyclist in critical condition.
Yesterday afternoon reports were made of a crash between a cyclist and a bus on the busy street in Manchester city centre.
The cyclist, who is a man in his 80s, has suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, and remains in hospital in critical condition.
The crash took place on the junction of Bridge Street and Deansgate at around 12.30pm on Monday 2 November.
A large cordon was in place and Deansgate closed for several hours yesterday.
Police officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or may have mobile phone or dashcam footage, to come forward.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1510 of 02.11.26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Greater Manchester emergency services issue urgent safety warning ahead of Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
An urgent safety warning has been issued by emergency services ahead of Bonfire Night this week.
With Bonfire Night only a few days away now, and fireworks already starting to be let off across the region, Greater Manchester’s emergency services have, once again, come together to launch a campaign urging communities to be safe, and warn against attacking emergency service workers or taking part in anti-social behaviour.
Led by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), in partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and the region’s 10 local Councils, the Bang Out Of Order campaign highlights the consequences of anti-social behaviour.
Last year, incidents of anti-social behaviour relating to nuisance from fireworks rose by 2% – with 1,020 cases recorded, while attacks on firefighters also sadly increased.
An urgent safety warning has been issued by emergency services ahead of Bonfire Night / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
935 fires were also started deliberately between 1 September and 10 November last year, while 767 hoax calls were made to the police and fire service within the same time period.
GMFRS has now issued an urgent safety warning.
Matt Hamer, Director for Community Safety and Training, said: “The Bonfire Night period is one of the busiest times of the year for our emergency services, and we want everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely and responsibly.
“We strongly encourage people to attend organised firework displays and bonfire events wherever possible. If you are planning your own celebrations, it is essential that you follow the Firework Code and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
“Deliberately setting fires, misusing fireworks or attacking emergency service workers is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences. Our firefighters are there to protect communities and should never face abuse, violence or intimidation while carrying out their duties.
Emily Sergeant -
16th December 2021 
