Crime rates down across Greater Manchester

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Crime rates have fallen considerably in the past year, resulting in almost 30,000 fewer victims in Greater Manchester.

Figures released today (Thursday 20 January 2011) show that burglary, vehicle crime, robbery and gun crime have been reduced significantly.

Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) statistics include January to December (2010) and their release coincides with the Home Office statistics.

Figures from the Home Office show that from September 2009 to September 2010, the GMP made a colossal reduction in crime. This minimisation of crime was the largest of any force in the North West, and the fourth biggest in the country.

House burglaries are down 15 per cent and vehicle crime has been reduced by more than 25 per cent.

There were 2,652 fewer victims of violence compared with the previous 12 months and 1,342 fewer victims of robberies.

Gun crime is significantly lower in Greater Manchester, the number of firearm discharges have downgraded from 76 to 52; a reduction of more than 31%. This is the lowest level since the force started collecting data in April 2003.

Figures show that from January to December 2010: 

• Total crime is down by 11.2 per cent, with 28,875 fewer victims
• Domestic burglary has reduced by 15 per cent, with 3,286 fewer victims
• Vehicle crime (theft or unauthorised taking of motor vehicle and theft from a
  vehicle) is down by 25.3 per cent, with 8,654 fewer victims
• Robbery is down by 20.7 per cent, with 1,342 fewer victims
• Violence against the person has been reduced by 12.5 per cent with 2,652 fewer
  victims
• Firearms discharges is down by 31.6 per cent, with 24 fewer victims

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: "It is particularly pleasing to see that GMP's sharp focus on the sort of crime which impacts on communities and causes fear in neighbourhoods appears to be paying off.

"However we will not be complacent and remain committed to making our communities a safer place to live. We have made a lot of changes to the way we work as a force. We have put communities at the heart of policing and by responding directly to issues raised by residents we have cut crime.

"GMP works closely and tirelessly with residents and agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, courts and councils to ensure criminals are brought to justice and stopped from creating any more misery.

"Neighbourhood survey results tell us that people feel we are doing a good job. We want to build on that and continue to work as hard as we can in making Greater Manchester safer."