Here at Confidential we get a constant stream of reports, releases and updates from Greater Manchester Police. This is a small selection of the reports received so far this week, not all of them.
Some do make for depressing reading but it's worth remembering that Greater Manchester has a population of 2.6m and that recent figures show crime rates have fallen across both the region and the country.
Wednesday 2 July: CCTV: Man sentenced for vicious NQ attack
A man has been sentenced and another is wanted after a vicious attack on a Doctor, 32, following a Christmas party on Dale Street at around 12.30am on 6 December 2013.
Alan Croydon, 25, of Norland Walk, Manchester, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to twelve months in prison.
Aaron Buckley, 26, of Coronation Street, Openshaw, failed to attend court for sentence and is currently wanted.
The victim was approached by three men who suddenly attacked him, punching and stamping on the man viciously.
Detective Constable Paul Wilde from North Manchester division, said: "These two men viciously attacked an innocent man as he walked home after a Christmas party.
"The CCTV clearly shows the ferocity of this attack and the man was very lucky to have walked away with minor injuries. Croydon and Buckley subjected the man to an unprovoked and violent attack and such disgraceful acts will not be tolerated.
"One man failed to attend court and he needs to be brought to justice, but one man is now behind bars and I hope the sentence means the victim can move on with his life."
Tuesday 1 July: Prolific thief banned from city centre
A prolific thief who spent years breaking into offices as well as public and religious buildings has been banned from the city centre.
Leigh Brassington, aged 31, was found guilty of three counts of burglary during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Friday, June 27 and was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment.
Following partnership working by Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police, an anti social behaviour order on conviction has been obtained for a period of 5 years. This now means once released from prison he will be banned from entering the city centre.
Brassington was found guilty of using a paving stone to smash his way into a ground floor solicitor’s office on St John’s Street before stealing several items in June.
He was also found guilty of breaking into the Religious Society of Friends Meeting House on Mount Street twice in June when he smashed windows and attempted to steal items.
Brassington had targeted the centre three times in the past, searching offices inside the building and taking cash and computers.
He had also previously entered a private area in the Museum of Science and Industry on Liverpool Road and stole cash and a laptop from an office, as well as another business on Mount Street and other offices on St John’s Street.
In 2008, he hid inside Manchester Central Library until the building closed and tried to steal a lap top from a fourth floor office. However, when he smashed a window in an attempt to escape, he realised it was too high and called the police to admit why he was trapped inside the building. He was later sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for the offence.
Councillor Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Brassington is a prolific burglar who clearly has no respect for anyone.
"This case shows very clearly that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and will work closely with the police to do what we can to protect Manchester’s residents and businesses from people like Brassington. I’d urge anyone to contact police if they see Brassington in the city centre, as he may be sent back to prison if he breaks this order."
Market Street
Monday 30 June: Elderly man tied up and beaten with crowbar in Stockport
Police are hunting four men who tied up and assaulted a 77-year-old man in his own home on Bramhall Lane South, Stockport, knocking out some of his teeth and beating him with a crowbar.
The attack took place at around 10.30pm on Sunday 29 June when the men broke into the house and bound the victim's hands and feet with duct tape.
After an hour spent ransacking the house they made off with just £40.
The first offender was a tall man, wearing a white balaclava or face mask and green jacket.
The second offender was a shorter, mixed race man with a thin moustache, who was also wearing a balaclava.
Detective Constable Joseph Trippett said: “This was an utterly terrifying ordeal for the victim, who was left tied up and wounded on his bed as the four men trashed his house looking for valuables.
“They subjected him to a vicious assault that left him requiring hospital treatment and means he is scared to be alone in his own home.
“The injuries were so appalling that the victim’s son required medical attention for shock.
“The fact these men were willing to subject this vulnerable old man to such horrific treatment for the sake of just £40 demonstrates how important it is that we bring them to justice.
“If you saw anything that may assist our enquiries, particularly if it is a physical description of the offenders, or have any information as to the identity of the men involved please contact Police.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
