Top 12 Most Dangerous Areas in Manchester

According to Statista.com, the crime rate in Manchester is increasing with time. In fact, 2022/23 was the year with the highest crime rate ever compared to previous records with 128.9 crimes per 1000 population. But when we see the overall crime rate in Manchester, there is a decline in the graph and the city has faced less crime in 2023/24.

According to Statista, the overall crime rate in Manchester in 2023/24 was 114.6 crimes per 1,000 population. Manchester has a diverse culture with its own history of ups and downs. Manchester has always been in the top spots when talking about crime and has been at the top since the 1990s.

Manchester is the 2nd largest city in population with 2.822 million people living in the city. The first one is still London with a population of 8.908 million in 2019. There is a significant growth of almost 20% in Manchester’s population since 2010.

In this article, we are going to share the top 12 high crime rate areas in Manchester and will also share insights into which types of crimes are being carried out in those areas and how this can be a threat to your business, house, or community. Moreover, after reading this article, we will get to know “Is Manchester safe or not?“. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the real knowledge to get some stats.

Manchester Crime by Type (2023/24)

As we have seen a decline in Manchester’s overall crime rate but still, there are several types of crimes residents faced in 2023/24.

The most common and prominent crimes according to Statista are:

Revealed: The 12 Most Dangerous Places In Manchester

1- Moss Side, Manchester

Overall Crime Rate: 87.2 Crimes Per 1,000 People

Moss Side is at the top of the list when talking about the crime rates and illegal activities in Manchester. It is located in the south of Manchester and has always been the spot of gang fights, drug-related activities, theft, and many other illegal activities. The overall crime rate of Moss Side in 2024 was 87.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it one of the dangerous areas to live in.

Moss Side local authorities and police have been facing these problems for decades and are now implementing many new policies to improve the living standard and safety within the area by eliminating Manchester gangsters.

2- Salford

Overall Crime Rate: 135.2 Crimes Per 1,000 People

Many people ask the question, “Is Salford in Manchester?” Salford is the neighboring Manchester city and has been facing illegal issues for a long time. The people of Salford are always very kind and cooperate with the authorities to implement the laws every time.

Salford criminal activities include burglary, theft, vandalism, and other antisocial activities. The overall crime rate of Salford in 2024 was 135.2 crimes per 1000 residents, increasing security concerns for both the residents and visitors alike.

The most common and prominent crimes here are violent crimes (13,352 offences), theft (9101 incidents), and public order offences (3987 incidents). The local authorities, with the help of people, are taking control of such illegal activities and the city is transforming into a safe and secure area.

3- Cheetham Hill

Cheetham Hill is one of the top spots for anti-social activities and drug-related crimes. It is located in the north of Manchester city center and is always open to illegal activities with a huge number.

According to a news article shared on the web in 2023 by Greater Manchester Police, there was a huge decline in the criminal graph by 50% in Cheetham Hill which also caused a decrease in Manchester’s crime rate.

4- Oldham

Overall Crime Rate Of 126.1 Crimes Per 1000 People

Oldham is considered one of the top 10 worst places to live in the UK. The overall crime rate of Oldham in 2024 was 126.1 crimes per 1000 residents and the most common crimes here were violent crime (12,540 offences), theft (7,571 cases), and public order offences (3,651 cases).

Oldam’s crime rate is 126.1 per 1000 population. Theft, public offenses, and violent crimes are the emerging challenging issues of Oldham which the local authorities and police are trying to control.

5- Longsight

Longsight Manchester’s crime rate is increasing with time and has a huge history when talking about gang wars and anti-social behaviors like theft, vandalism, etc.

The local authorities, police, and the local government are trying hard to overcome these challenges as soon as possible.

6- Harpurhey

Harpurhey was once the top spot for drug dealers and gangs but now, the local authorities and government have achieved a huge success by eliminating the drug dealers and gangs included in the criminal activities with lodged cases on them.

7- Ancoats

Ancoats were also once a top spot for criminal activities but now the city has completely transformed.

Many new offices, buildings, and restaurants have been opened in the area which helped in improving the living standards, safety, and security. Ancoats is also known as “Mini Italy” by the locals due to its beauty and charm.

8- Wythenshawe

Wythenshawe is considered one of the top and largest cities when talking about housing estate and businesses love to invest.

Due to the large investments and societies, the crime rate is gradually decreasing but still, the locals have the problem of anti-social crimes including theft and vandalism.

9- Beswick

There was a total of 125 crimes reported in Beswick in March 2024 including theft, vandalism, anti-social crimes, roadside crimes, etc. Local authorities and police are trying hard to control the increasing crime in the city and have asked locals to cooperate to their fullest.

10- Blackley

Blackley always saves a top spot in criminal records and has a rich history of anti-social crimes and illegal activities. The city is developing gradually, which is helping local authorities and government to control the criminal factors.

Also, they are making some new policies for the city to improve the security and living standards of the area.

11- Bolton

Bolton is a surrounding area of Manchester, like Salford, with a rich criminal history. The crime rate in Bolton is 127.03 according to 2022 stats, which is quite high compared to the other areas.

The government and local authorities are trying hard to control the high criminal situation.

12- Rochdale

Rochdale is an old town in Greater Manchester with a crime rate of 130.80 according to 2022 stats. This area is always a top spot for gang wars, criminals, anti-social behaviors, drug dealers, etc.

Rochdale is also one of the worst places to live in the UK due to high criminal and illegal activities.

So, these were the top 12 areas with high crime rates in Manchester. Now the decision is yours, whether these areas are good to live in or not.

Is Crime In Manchester Increasing?

When looking at the statistics, unfortunately, the crime rates in Manchester are increasing by a huge margin. The data we have right now provided by the Police has been showing that with every passing year, the crime rate is increasing. But, when looking at the home office data of 2023, the police responses are improving and more offenders are being caught.

The crime rates for 2023 are reduced, but the question here is if the crime rates in reducing, then why is Manchester still at the top of the list when talking about some of the most violent cities in the United Kingdom? There is no proper comparison when it comes to the crime rates in Manchester. Some compare the data of 2022-2023 published by Police, while others just compare some months

Undoubtedly, the city currently has the highest number of officers appointed when compared with all the other cities of Manchester. Such a high number of police officers are helping the city authorities to handle the offences more effectively. Moreover, the locals are helping a lot in controlling the crime rates. So, whether you are a business owner, a local, or a foreigner, pay close attention to what the police say and always follow the law.

What are the safest areas to live in Manchester?

There are multiple areas that are considered safe to live and work in Manchester. Here is the list of the names of those areas:

Didsbury
Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Altrincham
Sale

These are the 4 major areas that are known for their neighbour-friendly environment and safety. If you are moving to Manchester, make sure to live or work in any of these areas due to the safety and security issues in other areas of Manchester.

How Does Manchester Compare To Other Global Cities?

According to the research conducted by the Numbeo, the safety index of Manchester is 44.7. When comparing with the global cities, the lowest safety index rate is of a city called Pietermaritzburg, located in South Africa. The safety index rate of Pietermaritzburg is 17.5 as per Numbeo. Moreover, the UAE region, Abu Dhabi, is at the top when it comes to the safest city in the world, with a safety index rate of 88.1.

According to the report Numbeo published, Manchester is much safer than other famous cities like Paris, Washington DC, and Francisco. In fact, Manchester stands in 229th position out of the 314 cities that were being reviewed in Numbeo’s research.

The safety index of Manchester is improving with every passing year. From 43.85 in 2022 to 44.7 in 2024, this is considered a huge achievement. This all happens due to the dedication of the police officers and the loyalty of the people toward their country.

How Does Manchester Compare to Other UK Cities? 

City/Area	Crime Rate
England and Wales	110.5
Cleveland	132.4
West Yorkshire	121.7
Greater Manchester	117.7
South Yorkshire	111.1
West Midlands	111.1
London	105.1

According to Statista website, we’ve compiled a table that organises the crime rates of Manchester and other cities across the UK.

Types of Crime in Manchester 2024

Type of Crime	Number of Incidents	Rank
Violent against the Person’s Offences	129,184	1st
Theft	93,822	2nd
Public Order Offences	37,674	3rd
Criminal Damage and Arson	28,788	4th
Drug Offences	14,421	5th
Sexual Offences	11,656	6th
Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society	8,939	7th
Robbery	4,584	8th
Possession of Weapons	4,562	9th

Source: Statista

Steps and Tips to Improve Security Measures

Here are some of the practical steps and tips to improve the living standards and security measures within the area:

Stay Informed

• ⁎ Try to read the news daily.
• ⁎ Check out the local authorities or police websites to get information.
• ⁎ Talk to the locals and neighbors to stay updated all the time.

Travel Safely

• ⁎  Do not take shortcuts and always use busy routes.
• ⁎ Try not to walk alone in such areas at night.
• ⁎ Use well-maintained and monitored local transportation services.

Personal Safety

• ⁎ Keep a close eye on everything.
• ⁎ Make sure to analyze the behavior of the people while walking.
• ⁎ Don’t use a mobile phone while walking.
• ⁎ Don’t use headphones because they will divert your attention.

Community Engagement

• ⁎ Always keep a good relationship with your community members.
• ⁎ Always try to help others in difficult situations.
• ⁎ Attend community programs.

So, these are some of the tips and steps you can take to enhance the security measures. Undoubtedly, Manchester is going through hard times, but it is the people who make a place safe and secure. Always collaborate and cooperate with the local authorities and police by providing as much information as you can. One day, the city of Manchester, which is referred to as crimes, will become the city of peace, hope, and light.

If you have any questions and are looking for a security company in Manchester that takes care of your business in the best manner, Guard Mark Security is the ultimate solution. Get in touch with us and let us know your requirements. We’ll do our best to deliver the best services possible to safeguard your place in the best manner.

Frequently Asked Questions