More people are happy with police

MORE people across Greater Manchester are pleased with police performance and less afraid of being victims of crime, compared with a year ago.

New figures released by the Home Office show 48.6 per cent of people across the region are happy with police performance up from 46 per cent the previous year.

And the overall number of residents fearing they will become victims of crime has fallen across all categories.

Only 14 per cent of residents fear they will be burgled, compared with 15.7 per cent in 2006/7.

Fear of violent crime has fallen from 21 per cent to 20 per cent with a reduction also seen in perceptions of drug use and drug dealing from 33.5 per cent to 32.5 per cent.

There was also a reduction across Greater Manchester with residents perception of anti-social behaviour. According to the figures it would appear Greater Manchester police are winning the battle with a drop from 23 per cent of people thinking it is a problem compared with 21 per cent last year.;

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson of Greater Manchester Police said: “We are pleased the perception and fear of crime in Greater Manchester has decreased.

“We will continue to work hard to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe as well as making them feel safer in the communities in which they live, work and visit.”

Police were also evaluated for financial management, value for money, financial standing and an overall score.

Greater Manchester secured the second to top grade of “performing well consistently above minimum requirements” for most categories but secured the top rating for their financial standing, according to the report.