Is Manchester Safe? What You Need to Know for Your Safety

To determine whether Manchester is safe or not, we need to examine the city's crime rate. Not only that, but we also need to be aware of common crimes, the most dangerous areas, the safest areas, and other important details to ensure our safety.

In this article, we will review the latest crime statistics for Manchester. We will explain how safe it is at night and compare different regions. We will also share some safety tips that visitors and residents can consider.

Is Manchester Safe?

The crime rate in Manchester is extremely high, making it the most dangerous of all English metropolitan boroughs. By the first quarter of 2025, the total recorded offences (excluding fraud) in the previous 12 months were 147.02 per 1,000 population.

The percentage difference from the last equivalent period is -9.5, which means the number of crimes has been reduced a bit. Approximately 68,516 victim-based offenses were reported, while 18,180 other crimes against society were recorded.

Is Manchester Safe at Night?

Manchester is not entirely safe at night due to its high crime rate. According to Numbeo, the safety of walking at night is 32.69, which is quite low. During the day, it is 62.72, which is much better.

It does have a vibrant nightlife, but with its own risks, such as alcohol-fueled incidents. Certain areas, such as Piccadilly Gardens, have been identified as crime hotspots at night. Violent and sexual offenses are the most recorded. Extra precautions are needed while traveling alone at night.

Common Types of Crime in Manchester

The most common offense is violence against a person without an injury. There were 14,636 cases reported in the previous 12 months from Q1 2025. Stalking and harassment offences were 9,091.

7,240 cases were reported for violence against a person with injury. Criminal damage and arson offences were 6,164. Other than that, there were 5,123 vehicle offenses, 3,564 theft from person offenses, 3,069 sexual offenses, 2,582 residential burglary offenses, and 1,803 robbery offenses.

Manchester’s violent crime rate is 42.3 per 1,000 working people per annum, which makes it the 12th highest in crime rate out of 104 postcode areas.

Safest and Most Dangerous Areas in Manchester

Safest Areas in Manchester

Manchester’s crime rate is high without a doubt. However, there are some areas where the crime rate is slow, and they are considered safer than others.

Here are some of the safest areas in Manchester.

• Didsbury
• Chorlton-cum-Hardy
• Altrincham
• Sale
• Heaton Moor
• Monton
• Worsley
• Prestwich
• Whitefield
• Urmston

Most Dangerous Areas in Manchester

Some areas in Manchester are extremely dangerous, and they require extra precautions when travelling and passing by.

Here’s a quick list to remember.

• Moss Side
• Longsight
• Cheetham Hill
• Salford
• Beswick
• Blackley
• Openshaw
• Ancoats
• Wythenshawe

Safety Tips to Stay in Manchester

While staying in Manchester, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your smartphone away and focus on the road. Be vigilant because thieves can be anywhere. Prefer well-lit and busy areas while walking, especially at night. Do not take shortcuts because they can be crime hotspots.

If you want to go somewhere at night, plan your route in advance. Stay alert on the public transport and remember your stop. If there is any issue, you can always dial 999 for emergency and 101 for non-emergency inquiries.

For home security, a security camera is essential. You can go with the Reolink Duo 3V PoE. It’s a 16MP vandal-proof camera with 180⁰ coverage. It tracks motion automatically and sends real-time alerts. In addition to that, keep your valuable items in a safe and utilize other safety gadgets, sensors, and smart devices to ensure your safety.

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FAQs

1. Is London or Manchester safer?

London’s population is significantly larger than Manchester's, which is why there is a higher number of crimes. However, Manchester has a higher overall crime rate per capita, which makes it more dangerous than London.

2. Is it safe to travel to Manchester?

Yes, it’s safe to travel to Manchester. However, you need to be cautious. Take appropriate safety measures and avoid dangerous areas.

3. Is Manchester water safe to drink?

Yes, the tap water in Manchester is safe to drink. However, if you are in a public place, you must ensure that the water supply meets the required quality standards.

4. What are the cons of living in Manchester?

Some cons of living in Manchester are the high cost of living, harsh weather, limited public transportation, traffic congestion, and high crime rate.

Conclusion

Manchester’s crime rate is alarming. It’s higher than other English boroughs. We have shared recent crime data to help you understand the level of safety in Manchester. We have listed the common crimes recorded in the past 12 months and highlighted the most dangerous and safest areas in the city. After all, you need to ensure your own safety, so consider the safety measures we have shared.