Manchester Crime Insight: A Triton View

Manchester is known for its culture, football, and innovation and is one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. With new investment in regeneration, property, and business, it’s a hub of opportunity. But it’s also a city with evolving public safety challenges.

Whether you manage a residential block, a retail space, or a corporate property, understanding Manchester’s crime trends is critical. The following insight draws on the latest data to highlight where the risks lie, how they’re changing, and what businesses and property owners can do to stay protected.

City-Level Crime Snapshot: Where We Stand

According to Statista, Manchester’s overall crime rate for 2023/24 stood at 114.6 offences per 1,000 residents, down from 128.9 in 2022/23. This is a promising shift, suggesting the city is moving in the right direction after several years of sharp increases.

To put this in perspective, Greater Manchester Police recorded approximately 333,630 criminal incidents over the course of the year. That’s nearly 1,000 incidents per day across the region, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance, especially in high-density or high-footfall environments.

Crime Trends Over Time

Manchester’s recent crime history paints a picture of fluctuation:
• 2015/16: 81.8 crimes per 1,000
• 2019/20: Rising into the low 100s
• 2021/22: 126.7 per 1,000
• 2022/23: Peak of 128.9
• 2023/24: Drop to 114.6
(Source: Statista)

This pattern reflects both improved community resilience and a continuing requirement for smart, layered security solutions. The drop is good news, but crime remains higher than the national average meaning Manchester still has work to do.

What Types of Crime Are Most Common?

Understanding the breakdown of crime types helps businesses and landlords take targeted action.

In 2023/24, the most frequently reported categories were:
• Violence Against the Person – 129,184 incidents
• Theft Offences – 93,822
• Public Order Offences – 37,674
• Criminal Damage & Arson – 28,788
(Source: Statista)

This distribution mirrors other major UK cities, with violent crime and theft consistently topping the charts. However, Manchester also sees a higher-than-average volume of public order offences—often linked to alcohol, antisocial behaviour, and large gatherings.

Weapon Possession and Theft: Areas of Growing Concern

According to CrimeRate (Greater Manchester Police data):

• Possession of weapons is 1.68 times the national average
• Theft from the person occurs 1.57 times more often than in comparable regions
• Shoplifting sits at 1.47 times the national rate

These aren’t just numbers, they translate into real risk, especially for retailers, hospitality venues, and those managing public spaces. Aggressive shoplifting, pickpocketing, and knife-related offences can impact both safety and business continuity.

Local Crime Hotspots in Greater Manchester

Not all areas are affected equally. Several districts experience significantly higher crime rates than the citywide average:
• Central Manchester – 169.37 crimes per 1,000 people
• Salford – 135.2 per 1,000
• Bolton – 127.03 per 1,000
• Oldham – 126.1 per 1,000
(Source: Statisita)

Central Manchester’s high footfall, combined with nightlife, tourism, and transit traffic explains its elevated figures. However, suburbs like Salford and Oldham also highlight the need for security beyond the city centre.

For housing providers and commercial landlords, understanding the risk profile of each postcode is key to implementing proportionate and effective safety measures.

Security Insights: What the Data Tells Us

There are three clear takeaways from Manchester’s 2025 crime profile:
1. Violent crime is persistent, particularly in areas with limited surveillance or high alcohol consumption.
2. Theft is opportunistic – targeting retail, hospitality, and transport hubs.
3. Crime is localised, with specific wards and boroughs consistently showing higher rates.

At Triton Security, we work with clients to assess not just headline statistics, but the nuances behind them. We tailor security plans that suit the environment, risk level, and property usage.

Triton’s Approach: Security That Makes a Difference

We’re not just here to respond to problems, we’re here to prevent them.

In Greater Manchester, we support clients through:

• Visible, highly trained security officers who deter and de-escalate threats
• Mobile Patrol services for estates, construction sites, and vulnerable public areas
• CCTV installation and remote monitoring to detect issues before they escalate
• Access control systems to protect high-value or sensitive zones
• Detailed reporting and risk assessments, supporting compliance and transparency

Whether you need one officer or an integrated technology solution, our approach is always grounded, responsive, and human.

What Manchester Needs in 2025 and Beyond

As regeneration accelerates and more people live, work, and travel in Manchester, the pressure on safety services will grow. Businesses, landlords, and housing providers must stay ahead of the curve, not just to meet compliance. This offers peace of mind to their customers, residents, and staff.

Security isn’t a cost – it’s an investment in stability, trust, and long-term success.

Key Takeaways

• Manchester’s crime rate is improving, but remains above national average
• Violent crime and theft continue to affect businesses and communities
• Central and suburban hotspots require tailored protection strategies
• Triton delivers expert, flexible security across Greater Manchester

We understand what’s at stake. Since 2004, Triton Security has been securing confidence across the UK’s biggest cities. Let us help you safeguard what matters. Professionally, proactively, and with pride.

Get in touch for a free Manchester security review and tailored recommendations. Triton is here to help – wherever and whenever you need us.