THE latest Greater Manchester Police statistics show, that between 2002 and 2012 total crime reduced from 383,074 to 207,687 - a reported 46 per cent reduction. In addition, between April 2011 and March 2012 there has been a nine per cent drop in total crime which, according to GMP, means 19,997 fewer victims.

"This has been a very challenging year for the Force but the dedication of our staff and the support of the public has led to this further significant reduction in crime.

Other figures for the financial year to March 2012:

 - Domestic burglary down by 14 per cent with 2,679 fewer victims.

- Vehicle crime down by 17 per cent with 4,091 fewer victims.

- Antisocial behaviour reduced by nine per cent with 14,345 fewer incidents.

- Robbery down by 14 per cent with 669 fewer victims.

- Serious violent crime down by 18 per cent with 405 fewer victims.


Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “This has been a very challenging year for the Force but the dedication of our staff and the support of the public has led to this further significant reduction in crime. It has come about through strengthening relationships with local people through neighbourhood policing, and work with other agencies.

“With fewer staff we have had to make sure that every single day we focus on the most persistent offenders and the best opportunities to make arrests and gather evidence. As important as the crime figures is the fact that independent surveys show that local people have more confidence in GMP and believe their area is getting safer.

Cllr Paul Murphy, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, added: “The reality of these figures is that there are fewer and fewer people becoming victims of crime and the police are making life harder for criminals, which is fantastic news for our communities.

“That GMP continues to bring down crime, despite the financial challenges, is testament to the commitment of police officers and staff. The Police Authority has also played a significant role in driving performance and challenging the Force to make sure they continue to improve the service delivered to the public.

“While the improvements are impressive, we can’t get complacent, and this is reflected in the ambitious targets we have set for the Force in this year’s Policing Plan.”

The Force has met the crime reduction priorities in the Policing Plan targets for 2011-2012 set by Greater Manchester Police Authority. The latest Policing Plan priorities were published on Monday 2 April and are available at www.gmp.police.uk