Snappy Runners

AJ Handley-Rowe - 16th June 2022

City Centre

Greater Manchester’s Christmas crime rate named one of the highest in the UK

Emily Sergeant

New research has revealed the UK regions that should expect to see a spike in crime over the festive season this year… and it’s pretty grim reading for Mancs.

That’s because Greater Manchester has been identified as a so-called Christmas crime ‘hotspot’.

For several years running now, our region has unfortunately found itself near the top of the list when it comes to seeing the highest rates of crime over the Christmas holidays, and according to a recent study conducted by ADT, 2025 is unfortunately no different.

With what’s supposed to be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ only a few days away now, home security experts have decided to analyse crime rates from December 2020-2022, and have highlighted the percentage difference in crime during the festive period in a bid to reveal where ‘Christmas crime’ is most prevalent.

Cleveland Police still has the highest reported crime rate, according to the study, with approximately 147.7 recorded crimes per 1,000 population, and more than 5,000 police reports of burglaries in early 2024 – with ONS data revealing 79% of which were residential burglaries.

Greater Manchester’s Christmas crime rate has been named one of the highest in the UK / Credit: Wikimedia Commons | Aurelio Arantes (via Unsplash)

West Yorkshire Police also stays in second place, with crimes in the county having risen by 20%, going from a crime rate of 111.61 in December 2021, to 133.8 crimes per 1,000 population by March 2024.

And then, we have Greater Manchester.

Once again, Greater Manchester Police ranks third for the areas with the highest crime rates in England and Wales, with 129.7 crimes per 1,000 population.

ADT’s research this year found that theft offences accounted for almost a third of all crimes committed in our region, while residential burglaries and shoplifting had over 16,000 reported accounts, respectively.

Top 10 Christmas crime ‘hotspots’ in the UK for 2025

Rank	Police force area	Crime rate per 1,000 population
1	Cleveland Police	147.7
2	West Yorkshire Police	133.8
3	Greater Manchester Police	129.7
4	West Midlands Police	125.9
5	Merseyside Police	119.0
6	South Yorkshire Police	116.7
7	Humberside Police	108.1
8	Durham Police	101.8
9	Gwent Police	101.8
10	Metropolitan Police	100.2

Home security expert Michele Bennett, who is ADT UK’s General Manager, has shared some tips on how best to deter uninvited guests from your home during the Christmas period, and says it’s ‘important to remain vigilant’ at this time of year by enhancing your home security.

“This will ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable holiday experience,” she explains.

“Several proactive measures can be taken to deter intruders throughout the holidays, including installing visible security measures such as smart alarm systems or burglar alarms, with visible cameras and alarms display signs that indicate your home is highly protected.

“Also, secure your doors, windows, and other potential entry points with strong locks and deadbolts… and indoor and outdoor lighting is a good option to maintain a lived-in appearance by using smart plugs connected to lights, motion-sensing cameras, and video doorbells in and around entrances and other key areas of your home to make it less attractive to burglars.”

“The combination of these measures can drastically improve your home’s security,” Michelle concluded.

“As the appearance of an active and protected home is crucial to deterring potential intruders during Christmas and throughout the year.”

Featured Image – ADT

City Centre

Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever

Danny Jones Sign up for Great Manchester Run place in 2026

Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.

With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.

Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.

In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.

The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?

Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races

As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day

In addition to the main half-marathon and 10km runs for the adults, next year will also see the return of 2.5km junior dash for those aged 9-15 and even the 1.5k ‘mini’ event for 3-8-year-olds.

So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.

And that’s just from the sidelines…

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Let’s make it the biggest and the BEST yet

In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.

Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.

All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.

Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.