Rough Areas of Manchester: Complete Guide to Staying Safe

Manchester is a thriving and popular city, but like any major UK destination, it has neighbourhoods with higher crime rates. If you’re new to the area, knowing the rough areas of Manchester can help you identify which parts may be less safe to live in or visit.

In this blog, we will explore whether Manchester is truly dangerous, highlight the worst areas in Manchester UK, break down the most common crimes, and share practical safety tips to help you navigate the city with confidence.

Is Manchester Dangerous?

Like most big cities, some parts of Manchester see more crime than others. A recent review by Confused.com ranked Manchester as the second least secure postcode area in the UK, based on factors such as police presence, crime rates, CCTV coverage, and how safe residents feel.

The study logged over 92,000 crimes in a year, with burglary standing out. Around 15 burglaries happen for every 1,000 residents, which is higher than average and a real concern for locals.

Even so, Manchester is not simply an unsafe city. Millions of people live, work, and study here every day. Knowing which areas report higher crime gives you a chance to be cautious and still enjoy the many positives Manchester has to offer.

Rough Areas in Manchester in 2025

As introduced earlier, some areas still struggle with higher crime rates. We’ve listed the 10 worst areas in Manchester UK to help you stay cautious and focus on the best places to live.

• Moss Side: Frequently associated with violent crime, gang activity, and drug-related offences, with theft also common.
• Longsight: Faces persistent issues with gang violence, anti-social behaviour, theft, and public disturbances.
• Beswick: The East Manchester district struggles with anti-social behaviour, theft, vandalism, and roadside crimes.
• Cheetham Hill: Known for theft, robbery, and drug-related offences; its proximity to the city centre also exacerbates anti-social behaviour.
• Blackley: Blackley has been associated with elevated levels of anti-social behaviour, violent crime, and drug issues. Gang conflicts fuel extra safety concerns.
• Wythenshawe: Wythenshawe is often regarded as one of the rough areas of Manchester. While regeneration and investment have brought some improvements, the area continues to face challenges with violent crime, anti-social behaviour, theft, and vandalism.
• Harpurhey: Linked with frequent incidents of violence, theft, and public disorder, which continue to raise safety concerns.
• Ancoats: With major regeneration efforts, Ancoats has lowered crime compared to the past. Still, certain areas see occasional anti-social behaviour and street crime, making it one of the rough areas of Manchester.
• Hulme: Known for pockets of violent crime and gang-related activity, Hulme presents a mixed picture.
• Gorton: Experiences higher levels of property crime, particularly burglary, theft, and vandalism.

What Crimes Happen the Most in Manchester?

Recent statistics show that the city’s crime picture is led by several common offences. The main ones include:

Tips to Stay Safe in Manchester

As the crime breakdown shows, issues like theft, anti-social behaviour, and property damage are more common in certain neighbourhoods. Luckily, with a few simple habits and smart home security tools, you can stay safe and enjoy Manchester with confidence.

1. Stick to well-lit routes at night

Choose busy, well-lit streets when walking after dark. Avoid quiet shortcuts where you might be alone. Keep your phone charged and know your transport options before heading out.

2. Keep valuables out of sight

Pickpockets target crowded places like trams or shopping centres. Hold your bag close, don’t show off phones or jewellery, and stay alert. Simple steps like these make you less of a target.

3. Use public transport smartly

Buses, trams, and trains are usually fine, but evenings can be rowdy. Sit near the driver or other passengers, and avoid empty carriages. Always pick licensed taxis and report anything that feels unsafe.

4. Secure your entry points at home

Doors and windows are the first things intruders test. Strong locks help, but a smart device like the eufy Video Doorbell E340 gives you live alerts and a clear view of visitors, day or night.

5. Monitor outdoor spaces effectively

Driveways and gardens often attract vandalism or theft. A eufy SoloCam S340 with 360° coverage, motion alerts, and night vision keeps blind spots covered and lets you see what’s happening even from a distance.

6. Stay connected with your community

Neighbours are a big part of feeling safe. Join local groups, share updates, and keep an eye on each other’s homes. Smart security combined with community support makes daily life more reassuring.

Conclusion

Manchester is a city full of energy, culture, and opportunity, but some districts face higher crime rates than others. Knowing the rough areas of Manchester helps you stay cautious and choose where to live or visit with care.

Simple steps like using well-lit routes, keeping valuables hidden, and securing your home go a long way in staying safe. Alongside these steps, smart home security from eufy fits naturally into city life, offering peace of mind while you enjoy Manchester.

FAQs

What is the rough side of Manchester?

The rough side of Manchester generally refers to neighbourhoods in the south and east with higher crime rates.

Areas like Moss Side and Longsight are often highlighted for gang activity, theft, and anti-social behaviour, making them less ideal for newcomers.

Despite these issues, regeneration projects and community initiatives are improving safety. With awareness and caution, residents and visitors can navigate these areas while still enjoying what Manchester has to offer.

What are the most deprived areas in Manchester?

Some of Manchester’s most deprived neighbourhoods include Harpurhey, Collyhurst, and Miles Platting, facing challenges such as low income and unemployment.

These conditions contribute to higher crime rates and social issues, including theft and anti-social behaviour, and others.

Local authorities and community programs are working to improve housing, jobs, and education. While progress is gradual, these efforts are believed to help uplift communities and reduce deprivation over time.

Is Manchester considered rough?

Manchester is not entirely rough, but certain neighbourhoods with higher crime give it that reputation, especially after media exposure.

Overall, crime has decreased in recent years, yet incidents of theft, anti-social behaviour, and violence in deprived areas still affect public perception.

Compared to other UK cities, Manchester remains diverse and lively. Safety depends on the neighbourhood, so residents and visitors should be mindful when choosing where to go or live.

Is Moss Side still dangerous?

Moss Side was once notorious for gang violence and crime, particularly during the late 20th century. This reputation has lingered, making it one of the rough areas of Manchester.

Today, community initiatives, investment in housing, and stronger policing have reduced violent crime significantly. Many residents are feeling much safer now.

However, occasional incidents related to gangs and drugs do occur, which keeps the stigma alive. Overall, Moss Side is becoming safer, though some caution is still recommended in certain parts.