Extra police cut gun crimes and robbery

Serious crime including robberies and gun offences have dropped across Greater Manchester thanks to increased numbers of police officers.

More than 100 extra officers were brought in to front-line neighbourhood policing roles.

As a result, there have been significant reductions in firearms discharges, cash-in-transit robberies and bank raids.

Personal robbery is also down, but burglary remains a challenge for Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

However, public satisfaction with the police force is steadily increasing.

A report to the Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), outlining the force’s progress on operational priorities and targets, showed it was either meeting or close to meeting all but one of the performance targets.

They were set by GMPA in return for an increase in the police precept, which allowed for the recruitment of the extra officers.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “We have made real progress in some areas.

“I’m particularly pleased to see such a big reduction in firearms discharges.

“There are young people walking the streets today who would otherwise be dead were it not for the decisive work GMP has taken through operations like Cougar and the great work of the Xcalibre Task Force.”

Mr Fahy said he was still concerned about burglary levels, but was confident Operation Guardian would tackle those crimes.

He said: “Guardian is all about the force taking action against burglars, as well as asking people to ensure they take simple steps to deter them.

“Most burglars will be put off if you keep lights on, doors and windows locked and use a burglary alarm.

“Ultimately, targets are secondary to the service we provide and it is heartening to see a steady increase in satisfaction levels from victims of crime.”

The report can be read on the GMPA website at:

• www.gmpa.gov.uk