Crime Falls in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Police have released their latest crime figures and say crime is at it's lowest since the turn of the millennium.

Between April 2010 and March 2011, there were 20,000 fewer victims of crime in Greater Manchester when compared to the same period the previous year.

In all there were 227,855 crimes during the last year; a drop of eight per cent on the previous year. That's the lowest level since 1999-2000.

Greater Manchester Police also claim there is an end to the area's gun crime label with Firearm discharges are at their lowest levels since recording began in 2003/04.

The number of reports of antisocial behaviour, burglary, robbery, criminal damage, and vehicle crime are all at their lowest levels for five years.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "These figures show we are succeeding in tackling the issues that our communities have told us matter the most.

"We have brought crime down to its lowest level since the millennium.  Detection rates are up but, just as importantly, we are making people feel safer and less fearful of crime. An issue that can impact on everyone's life is antisocial behaviour and it is pleasing to see that people's perception of this happening on their streets has fallen.

"We receive extremely positive feedback from local people, councillors and organisations who are seeing real improvements in policing in Greater Manchester.

"Since 2009 we have put more than 500 extra officers into neighbourhood teams so officers can really get into the heart of communities.  If people work with us then we can act upon the issues raised by local people and take necessary action.  I would ask people to talk to their local officers or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."