Manchester has been named the third most dangerous place to live in England and Wales, excluding London, according to the latest Home Office crime figures for 2025. Greater Manchester Police recorded 84,423 non-fraud offences in the city last year, equating to 143 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is lower only than Blackpool (149) and Middlesbrough (147).
Despite a five per cent drop in crime compared to the previous year, Manchester's high population density contributes to its ranking. GMP noted that the city's size as one of the UK's largest urban centres partly explains the figures, and emphasised that overall crime continues to decline.
Across England and Wales, recorded non-fraud offences fell by two per cent in 2025. Burglary dropped 11 per cent, theft decreased eight per cent, and homicides fell six per cent. However, sexual offences rose five per cent, weapons possession increased six per cent, and drug offences surged 18 per cent.
Within Greater Manchester, Oldham had the second-highest crime rate at 107 offences per 1,000 residents, followed by Salford and Rochdale (both 106), and Bolton (98). Trafford was the safest borough, with 74 crimes per 1,000 residents. Crime fell in almost all boroughs, except Salford where it rose one per cent.
Nationally, Broadland in Norfolk is the safest area with just 35 crimes per 1,000 residents. The data excludes London, where Westminster's high tourist numbers skew its rate to 380 offences per 1,000 residents.
