Crime figures on downward trend

CRIME and anti-social behaviour continues to fall in Oldham, according to latest figures.

End-of-year statistics for 2010-2011 show overall crime has continued its downward trend with a 4 per cent drop, meaning there were 765 fewer people falling victim.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour fell by almost a third when compared with the previous year, equating to 5,444 fewer reported incidents.

Robbery and theft involving vehicles have both reduced by over a quarter meaning there have been 627 fewer victims. And serious violent crime figures showed a decrease of a third (85 fewer victims). There have also been positive changes in the three priority areas of Oldham identified as having particular crime issues. Theft crimes including burglary, robbery and car crime in Alexandra, Coldhurst, Hollinwood and St Mary’s have fallen by 8 per cent.

Serious violent crime and anti-social behaviour have both decreased by a quarter in the last year in these neighbourhoods when compared with the previous year.

Chief Supt Tim Forber, Divisional Commander for Oldham said: “These figures show that we are succeeding in tackling the issues that people in Oldham have told us concern them most.

“Residents can be reassured that we will not be complacent in the coming year but will continue to work to further bring down crime, make life difficult for criminals and help increase quality of life for everyone who lives or works in or visits our borough.”