Crime down according to latest figures

Greater Manchester Police has reduced crime in the past 12 months, according to the annual figures released today (Thursday 17 July).

Figures released in the annual crime figures show that between April 2007 and March 2008:

Total crime is down 10 per cent (34,588 fewer victims)

Violent crime is down 12 per cent (6,764 fewer victims)

Vehicle crime has reduced by 21 per cent (12,439 fewer victims)

Robbery has been cut by 9 per cent (780 fewer victims)

Burglary is down by 9 per cent (4,090 fewer victims)

Criminal damage has been reduced by 16 per cent (12,300 fewer victims)

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “I am pleased with the continued reductions in crime that we have achieved despite the challenges we have faced. It builds on the successes in cutting crime during the last five years.

“We know there will be even greater challenges ahead but we are committed to continuing to make the communities of Greater Manchester safer. Our focus on neighbourhood policing and involving people in policing their area will make a difference.

”I hope people will be able to use the new facility to find crime information through the website to help us to fight crime in Greater Manchester."

GMP also remains dedicated to tackling gun crime. The Force has recently invested £6.5million to strengthen Xcalibre, GMP's response to tackling gun crime. Since then there has been a dramatic fall in gang-related shootings.

Detection rates have risen by almost 10 per cent in the past five years – to 25 per cent.

ACC Thompson said: “This is a significant improvement which means more criminals are being brought to justice but we know we need to do more with the support of our communities.”