Piccadilly Gardens is Britain’s fifth-worst crime spot, the M.E.N. can reveal.

Our exclusive analysis of police data shows there were a staggering 769 crimes reported at the city centre site between January and September this year - an offence roughly every seven hours.

The astounding figure makes the landmark gardens the worst crime blackspot in Greater Manchester - and the fifth worst of any location in the entire country.

It comes despite a sustained campaign by police and council chiefs to crackdown on boozy-violence and problem behaviour.

A breakdown shows the most common problem in Piccadilly Gardens was anti-social behaviour offences, with 264 incidents of rowdiness reported, while there were 131 thefts, and followed by violent and sexual offences on 101.

Second on the list of Greater Manchester’s crime hotspots was the area in and around Debenhams on Market Street, next to Piccadilly Gardens. Some 677 crimes have been reported there so far in 2015.

Third on the list is the Arndale Centre, with 362 crimes committed.

The majority of crimes around Debenhams and the Arndale relate to retail theft.

All but three of the most crime-ridden spots in Greater Manchester are in Manchester city centre.

Fourth in the list is a parking area at Manchester Airport, followed by the Gay Village in the city centre; Albion Street in the city centre; Sickle Street in the city centre; the Union Buildings in Bolton; Hope Street in Manchester city centre; and Plate Street in Oldham.

Earlier this year, town hall chiefs installed extra CCTV cameras in Piccadilly Gardens after an undercover M.E.N. investigation caught youths openly offering drugs for sale there in broad daylight.

We secretly recorded two men sitting outside Caffe Nero, in the concrete pavilion, offering us cannabis for £20.

Their approach, which was unsolicited, was made at 3pm and around 100 yards away from a children’s play area.

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Coun Karney had previously suggested demolishing the free-standing ‘mini wall’ after a man was knifed in the neck over a suspected drugs turf war.

The M.E.N. investigation led to calls for a constant police presence to stamp out dealing in the area. It is not clear how much crime involving theft, or violent or sexual offences, is linked to drug dealing in Piccadilly Gardens.

But GMP said ‘shrinking resources’ meant it could not have a dedicated team there.

City centre chief councillor Pat Karney said the high numbers of crime in Piccadilly Gardens so far this year could be explained by a crackdown in the last six months.

“We’ve seen a lot of action on drugs and anti-social behaviour during the crackdown in the last six months,” he added.

“That will explain these figures. We’ve turned a corner, and have made a lot of progress there, but we’re not complacent.

“It’s difficult, especially with people selling drugs. As soon as one person is arrested, another person takes their place.

“I will soon be inviting the new police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins for a walk around at night in Piccadilly Gardens to show him the scale of the problem and to get a feel of the place.

“We are really worried about theft there too. It can be very distressing for victims. We need the courts to hand down appropriate sentences to these people who commit these appalling crimes, to deter others.”

City centre inspector Phil Spurgeon said Piccadilly Gardens tops the list simply because it is one of the region’s busiest areas, with thousands passing through every day.

He added: “We know that recorded crime over the last 12 months across the city centre has risen by 4pc, but this can be largely explained by tighter crime recording practices.

“It is not surprising that Piccadilly Gardens features at the top of this list given its huge footfall and 24/7 activity in terms of transport, fast food, gambling and hotels.

“Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Piccadilly Gardens remains a priority for police and partners.

“Operation Mandera, which has been running since 2013, has made a significant impact on cannabis dealing in the area and the police pod remains in Piccadilly Gardens and is open between 8am and 8pm, offering a convenient contact point and reassurance for the community.

“We are also continuing to work with partners to look at what further environmental improvements, such as lighting and CCTV, would help tackle crime in the area.”

Area and Crimes so far this year

1) On or near Piccadilly Gardens – 769

2) On or near Shopping Area (Debenhams) – 677

3) On or near Shopping Area (Arndale Centre) – 362

4) On or near Parking Area (Manchester Airport) – 316

5) On or near Nightclub (near Gay Village) – 284

6) On or near Albion Street – 258

7) On or near Sickle Street – 255

8) On or near Union Buildings – 255

9) On or near Hope Street – 241

10) On or near Plate Street – 231