Greater Manchester crime at a 10-year low

CRIME in Greater Manchester is at its lowest level for 10 years, thanks to a series of hard-hitting police operations.

A new report shows a 13 per cent drop in overall crime — equivalent to 35,901 fewer victims.

Figures show a 15 per cent fall in domestic burglary, a 15 per cent reduction in robbery and a 19 per cent drop in vehicle crime.

Gun crime has also been significantly reduced with the number of firearms discharges down 27 per cent in the last 12 months - the lowest level in eight years.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “We have been continuing to make improvements to the service we provide which is reflected in the figures. But we know we need to do more and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and improve public confidence, and that is what we will do in the year ahead.

“Working with Greater Manchester Police Authority we have agreed some stretching targets to cut crime and improve public confidence in the next 12 months.

“We are moving more officers into neighbourhoods and are restating our commitment to meet the elements of the policing pledge. Officers will hold regular meetings to work with communities to identify priorities, will be visible on the streets and will keep you updated with what they are doing.

“There is an ambitious change programme under way and a new style of policing being introduced. These are helping us make the best use of officers and staff to provide the service people want.”

Alongside long-term changes, a series of short term measures to boost performance were introduced this year.

This led to the number of wanted people being cut by more than 50 per cent, officers identifying how to reduce bureaucracy and improvements to the investigation of crime.

The force has also faced many operational challenges during the past year including policing high profile football matches, volatile protests and political conferences.

Mr Fahy added: “These all require careful planning and considerable resources, but cannot detract us from ensuring we are tackling what matters to communities, day in and day out.

“I have consciously put the force under a lot of pressure to improve performance in key areas particularly targeting persistent offenders and getting them into the justice system.

“We are still under considerable scrutiny at a national level but we are showing improvements in all areas. Greater Manchester is a safer place but we have to maintain this reduction in crime over the long term.”