Thieves are snatching parcels from Salford Quays flats and getting away with it, residents have warned.
Tailgaters and criminals are targeting items left in the lobbies and receptions of apartment buildings around the area, according to John-Paul Atley – co-chair of the Salford Quays Community Forum.
But Mr Atley said some residents are reluctant to report it to the police because they believe nothing will be done.
He said: “There’s a lot of underreporting of parcel theft in the Quays, but there’s a feeling among residents that there’s no point in calling the police,” he said.
“We’re not the crime hotspot of Salford, which is actually one of the issues. We have long-term issues with anti-social behaviour in the Quays, but in the last four years it’s gotten better.
“I saw a leaflet from the Lib Dems on the day of the local election in May that said there was only one police officer for the Quays.
“A lot of people stopped me on the street and said this is outrageous when they heard about it.”
Labour councillor Jake Rowland said his party are campaigning to bring the total number of full-time officers in the area to six, up from the current number of four – but Salford Lib Dems said Labour “promised six new officers dedicated to the Quays yet delivered only two.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said reports of parcel theft are taken seriously, and urged anyone who has been the victim of this to report it.
Their spokesman added: “We endeavour to work closely with our communities to encourage them to be vigilant when ordering online to communal areas, ensuring they are equipped with the relevant crime prevention advice.
“We also have regular neighbourhood patrols across our communities to deter offenders and provide a visible reassurance to residents.
“We work with property managers and parcel companies to identify offenders and ensure buildings are secure.
“Work is also ongoing with parcel companies to make sure delivery drivers have effective policies to ensure parcels aren’t left in visible areas, to ensure we are all resilient to these types of crimes.”
Coun Rowland said: “There’s a genuine need for extra police officers.
“People feel the police will not respond or do anything, or take strong enough action.”
Paul Heilbron, leader of Salford Lib Dems and a councillor in the Quays, said: “Our election campaign accurately reflected the concerns of residents who felt under-supported and who had seen little visible police presence in the area.
“Over a long period of time, we have been encouraging residents to report, and we have seen a significant upturn in reporting over the last year, with some great outcomes.”
GMP advised Salford Quays residents to reduce the risk of parcel theft by taking precautions, including requesting a signature be given on delivery for high value items, booking delivery when someone will definitely be home, tracking parcels, con
