Crime and Safety, Manchester

As with most major towns and cities, do be sensible after dark, i.e. women should avoid walking home late in the dark, don't go to ATM's alone, don't leave belongings unattended etc. Of particular note is that there have been a few highly publicised incidents of violence in and around pubs and nightclubs. However this is statistically unlikely to affect you - unless you actually decide to get involved. Like anywhere, if you go looking for trouble you will find it.

There are areas worth avoiding because of high crime, such as Moss Side or Longsight, but it is worth noting that much of the gun violence here and across the south of the Manchester area is gang and drugs related, so if you are unlucky enough to be in the vicinity you shouldn't be targeted. The worst things are inflicted on criminals by each other and the actual scale of the problem is exaggerated.

However, Manchester is by no means the worst place for crime in Britain, and is far safer than most cities in, for example, the United States.

Manchester isn't a particularly dangerous city, but you should nevertheless take precautions when walking around, especially at night. Some homeless linger around Portland St. and the Arndale Centre at night, and will probably ask to spare a quid. There are some rough neighborhoods south of the university that should probably be avoided at night if you are alone.

Also be aware of groups of young guys coming out of pubs and clubs late at night, drunk out of their minds and wanting to cause a scene. This "yob" (British term for dumb, young trouble makers with boy spelled backwards) attitude can be found across Britain's cities, and is a serious problem. If you are confronted by yobs, it's best to ignore them and move along to whatever destination it is.

Also be aware of pickpocketers around busy commericial streets who might want your wallet.

Contact the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) if you have any unlikely problems or dial 999 for absolute emergencies.

Watch for pickpockets, be wary of making the wrong impression when out drinking at night, steer clear of dark streets and above all, keep out of Mosside, the centre of the drug wars!
Also, I find there are more vagrants and "pan handlers" in Manchester than in any other city that I visit (there will be more in London, but I don't visit London much).

Be Careful walking at night, Manchester, as anywhere, has some less than friendly individuals. Be careful not to wander too far outside of the City. The outskirt settlements of Moss Side, Cheetam Hill and Salford are notoriously unwelcoming.

Manchester is one of the largest cities in the UK after London and is very cosmopolitan. Racist attitudes will get you in trouble as they would in any city, and there are the same pickpockets and trouble makers there are in any city so watch your bag, watch your back and stay in safe areas - ie if you are out at night don't go walking down alleyways and in areas you don't know.

There is a pretty high crime rate in this country. Its a waste of time denying it as people should know the truth.
firstly

If you a woman and your travelling alone please don't go to poorly lit areas, stick to main roads, if you can get black cabs to your destination.

secondly

Watch your drinks when you are out drinking, never leave it unattended there are alot of people using the date rape drug in these parts

The rest is here.......

Pickpockets: Watch your money/cards in shopping centres coz once they've got what they want there's not much chance you'll get ot back!

Cash machines: Use the cash machines with care, people may be waiting behind you remembering your PIN no and then the next thing you know they'll mug you, nick your card and empty your account!

one last little thing don't stare at people, you never know who your looking at but I bet they won't like it!

This may sound a bit pathetic, but having taken trips to many places where it is ok for people to stare at each other, I feel I should warn people from countries where this is acceptable, that the 'Jack the lad' element of Manchester and UK don't appreciate it, understand or appreciate Cultural difference and will get all huffy and say, 'you looking at me',etc, etc...avoid a fight, look at the architecture..sorry that sounds scary, but I think its sound advice : )

Try not to look too obviously a tourist, especially if you are in Central Manchester or in Fallowfield, where unfortunately Students are subject to being 'taxed' (robbed), be careful at cash point machines, I would make sure you get cash out in the daytime, use the cash machines inside the banks, avoid the cash machines in the shopping recess on Wilmslow Road across from Manchester Royal infirmary at night.

Don't argue with the 'Bouncers', (door people) at clubs and bars, its not worth it, if they don't let you in because of your clothes etc, just move on!

This might seem an obvious point, but DO NOT buy recreational drugs in clubs, you could be on your way to casualty and worse! Watch your drinks, people DO 'spike' them..obviously not all the time, but it happens.

Manchester's a great place but there are many places that you've got to try and avoid or at least have your wits about you when travelling both in the day or night. Town and most places of interest are quite safe in daytime and when there is a healthy crowd. However, try not to wander into underpasses or council housing areas as people there can get quite nasty. Don't wander around too much in the night and if you go out, go with a group of friends. Watch out for out of hand party revellers and (sometimes) youths on bikes may turn quite menacing (personal experience). Also stay away from Rusholme and Trafford during football matches. Jams caused can be a nuisance.

it is very good that u think about the nights of your city. yes there is dangerous but it is romantic to speak about the trips at night in the city. :) cirrus