Be Safe In Manchester

Safety

Unfortunately, Manchester has something of a reputation for crime and unwitting tourists could find themselves the victims of petty theft if they don't behave with due caution. Police presence is relatively high, but cannot be relied upon to prevent opportunists from indulging in petty theft and street robbery.

During the day, the city centre is by and large a safe place and visitors needn't worry themselves unnecessarily with concerns of falling foul of criminals, although pickpockets do operate and visitors should keep their cash and valuables in a safe place. Evenings are a different story and dark backstreets are best avoided, especially by lone travellers or women. At weekends, around 23:00, when many of the bars close, the city centre can be hazardous, as drunken youths spill out onto the streets. Visitors are recommended to avoid confrontation or fraternisation of any description with persons in obvious states of insobriety. Late night public transport services are best avoided where possible or used with the caveat that at the weekend, they often attract large numbers of unruly characters. Outside of the city centre, many of the poorer suburbs are also best avoided by those unfamiliar with them. Straying into high crime areas such as Moss Side, Salford, Wythenshawe, Longsight and Cheetham Hill is not recommend unless you are particularly streetwise.

Drivers should be warned that leaving a vehicle in the city centre in the evening is a risky affair and car stereos, CDs, jackets and so on should all be removed or hidden, as they are irresistible temptations to petty thieves. Be warned that by parking in places other than security-patrolled car parks, you run the risk of malicious damage from drunken passers by and this should therefore be avoided unless you have fully comprehensive insurance for your vehicle.

Police: 999 

Health

There are no obvious or immediate health risks in visiting Manchester, since the city is free from virulent disease and does not experience any real extremes of weather. Water from the tap is entirely drinkable, though highly chlorinated and fluoridated and best avoided by anyone with gastric problems. EU visitors are able to receive free health care by means of their country's reciprocal agreements with the UK. All other visitors should make sure they have appropriate travel insurance. Pharmacies are readily available in the city centre and throughout suburban areas.

Manchester Hospital: +44 860 646 1222