Burglary rise blights latest crime figures

CRIME is falling in Greater Manchester but there is still a lot of work to be done.

Figures from July to September, 2008, show a total crime reduction of 2.4 per cent. Robbery, car crime and violence against the person have also dropped but burglary has risen by almost 15 per cent.

GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “We are pleased that the figures show the total number of violent crimes is falling, and robbery and car crime are down once again, which is excellent news, but we still have challenges ahead.

“Burglary remains one of Greater Manchester Police’s top priorities, which is why we saw the launch of Operation Guardian in October, 2008, as a response to the increase in domestic burglaries.

“We have increased officers on the streets, day and night, advising residents about how they can protect themselves and their homes.

“It is a fact that one in three burglaries happens because houses have been left insecure. Homeowners can play their part by not leaving doors or windows unlocked or open.

“I acknowledge that the economic downturn may well lead to significant challenges for policing but I also feel confident that we have never been in a better position to deal with these challenges.

“It is vital that we make residents feel safe and confident that the quality of service they receive from officers is the very best it can be.

“Our commitment to neighbourhood policing means that Greater Manchester Police has a visible and responsive presence in every neighbourhood to act as a deterrent to thieves, disrupt criminal activity and reassure residents living in vulnerable areas.”

GMP is not one of 18 forces named by the BBC that were found to have under-reported the amount of serious violent crime.

The Metropolitan Police — the UK’s largest force — Thames Valley Police, North Yorkshire, North Wales, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Cleveland, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Kent, Lancashire, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Suffolk are all said to have misreported the figures for more than 10 years, it was reported.