POLICE ANNOUNCE CRIME REDUCTIONS ACROSS WIGAN BOROUGH

Police have seen some significant crime reductions across Wigan borough over the last year.

When the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 was compared with the same period in 2008-2009 there were 2,310 fewer crime victims, a drop of more than nine per cent, and 3,017 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour, an 11 per cent reduction.

Anti-social behaviour is one of the main concerns for residents, and initiatives like Atherton's Nowt 2 Do project, Wigan Council's X Zones and Operation Staysafe have been instrumental in getting young people involved in activities like climbing, cycling, drama and dance classes and DJ / MC lessons. These projects educate them about the consequences of underage drinking too.

There were also 358 fewer vehicle crimes, a drop of almost 12 per cent, 169 fewer burglaries, a reduction of almost 11 per cent, and 69 fewer robberies, a 23 per cent drop.

Chief Superintendent Shaun Donnellan, Divisional Commander for Wigan, said: "We have run operations throughout the year to reduce the offences that people are most likely to be victims of, such as burglary and vehicle crime. As part of these crackdowns our neighbourhood policing teams and crime reduction advisors have worked tirelessly to remind people about the importance of always securing their homes properly and removing valuables from vehicles when they're left unattended. I believe this work is an important factor in these crime reductions."

In addition there were 14 fewer serious violent crimes, a five per cent reduction, and this is partly the result of police using early-intervention tactics in town centres to prevent disputes, often alcohol-fuelled, from escalating.

Chief Superintendent Donnellan added: "We are committed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour across the borough, and the latest figures show we're making a big impact. We have also reduced the number of crime victims by 10,133* over the last 10 years**, a drop of almost a third.

"Thanks to the hard work of all my officers and support staff, residents are feeling safer in their homes and communities and confidence in local officers is growing. I'd also like to thank the public for continuing to provide us with valuable information.

"We are determined to make further reductions in the coming year by targeting criminals relentlessly, and will continue to deliver the Policing Pledge to ensure we provide a first class service to the law-abiding majority."

The Policing Pledge gives people a clear minimum standard of service they can expect from their Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Find out more at gmp.police.uk/pledge

For non-emergency calls or to report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit gmp.police.uk/wigan

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or crime in progress.