LOCAL police are cracking down on crime, according to latest figures.

From April to June this year, there were 545 fewer victims of crime than for the corresponding period last year, a drop of ten per cent.

The latest figures showed that robberies had fallen by 57.4 per cent while house burglaries were down 17.3 per cent. In the last three months, there were 78 fewer victims of burglary and 74 fewer robbery victims.

Vehicle crime had also been cut, with 19.2 per cent fewer vehicles being stolen and 23.8 per cent fewer thefts from vehicles.

Although violent crime has risen nationally, Bury has bucked the trend by recording a 14.3 per cent fall.

These results build upon the success which police achieved between April, 2003, and March this year, when crime was cut by 7.4 per cent borough-wide.

Police in Bury have solved nearly 11 per cent more crimes, 399 offences, between April to June than for the same period in 2003.

Bury's divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Garry Shewan said: "These reductions are great news for Bury. We are making this a safer place to live by cutting crime in all areas. This has been achieved by using intelligence to target prolific offenders and bring down crime in hotspot areas.

"We are determined to send a clear message to criminals. If you commit crime in Bury you are more likely to be prosecuted.

"In addition to prosecutions, we are also making use of new anti-social behaviour legislation to help disrupt the behaviour of criminals. Eight Bury residents are now subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order, 11 others are awaiting the outcome of court proceedings and dozens of others are being processed".

The police chief continued: "I am pleased that we have bucked the national trend. However, we refuse to be complacent and are still concerned about the impact alcohol abuse and binge drinking is having upon our town centre's and some communities.

"This month we are meeting with partners from various organisations that work together in Bury to consider how we should respond to the threat posed by alcohol-fuelled crime.

"As our residents are of paramount importance to us, we will endeavour to act upon their concerns."

Ch Supt Shewan concluded: "With the support of our partners and the wider community, we will continue to win the fight against crime and make Bury safer."