Crime continues to rise across Greater Manchester

Crime continues to rise across Greater Manchester

Figures released by the Home Office show a 14% rise in recorded crime across the region, compared to a national rise of 5%, including increases in violent crime and sexual offences.

This is the first time fraud and cybercrime has been included in the Crime Survey for England and Wales, estimating there were more than five million incidents nationally in the 12 months to June 2015.

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “I welcome the fact that fraud and cybercrime has now been included in the crime survey. I’ve been saying for a long time that fraud is under-represented and under-investigated and these improved figures give us a better picture of the demand on policing across the country. Criminals are increasingly using the internet and taking advantage of new technology to target businesses and take advantage of the elderly and vulnerable, causing misery to victims. It’s a huge challenge for the police, and further illustrates the need for policing to be properly resourced.”

Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, said: "The rise in recorded crime is primarily down to greater accuracy in our recording of certain crime types and people having the confidence to come forward and report the crimes that have the most personal impact.

"Tackling crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual offences and hate crime is a top priority. The figures reflect the increased confidence and bravery of victims in reporting such crimes knowing that Greater Manchester Police will treat them with compassion and understanding."

"The increase in cybercrime and the recognition of the amount of fraud taking place reflects the changing nature of policing. We have to be able to invest in the skills and technology to tackle such crimes. This is extremely challenging given the current financial situation. It is becoming increasingly difficult to balance the competing demands of tackling serious and organised crime, increases in reported sexual offences, emerging crime threats, traditional property crime and the necessity to safeguard the more vulnerable in society. Something will have to give because we cannot continue to do everything with significantly fewer officers."

"We are doing all we can to change the way that we work and integrate with other public services across Greater Manchester in order to keep people safe. It it's going to be hard and people are going to have to accept the way we deliver policing is changing."