Violent crime still falling, break-ins rise

The number of victims of crime has plummeted over the past year but the police admit there is still a lot more to do.

New figures from Greater Manchester Police show a drop in the number of robberies and violent crimes but a rise in burglaries.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “The figures from October to December, 2008, show that crime continues to fall in many areas compared to the previous year, but we cannot be complacent — there is always more work to do.

“There are 5,000 fewer victims of crime than in the same period of the previous year which shows we are making strides to make Greater Manchester safer. This is a direct result of working closely with our partners and the people who live in our neighbourhoods.

“The number of robberies and violent crimes also continues to fall compared to the previous year, which is good news.

“But we must not focus all our attentions on statistics alone. What is vital is making residents feel safe and more confident in the quality of service they receive from staff and officers.

“Burglary continues to be one area where we must improve.

“The fact that 751 more people have been victims of burglary, compared with the same period in the previous year, is not acceptable.

“We launched Operation Guardian in October 2008, as a response to the increase in domestic burglaries.

“Officers have been on the streets day and night advising residents about how they can protect themselves and their homes, targeting prolific offenders and carrying out high-profile policing.

“This has led to some local successes, but domestic burglary clearly remains near the very top of Greater Manchester Police’s crime fighting agenda.”