GREATER Manchester Police is continuing to make the streets safer.

Figures for April to June released this week showed there were 11,517 fewer victims of crime in the county.

This equates to an 11.7 per cent reduction compared to the same period in 2003, say Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Thomas, responsible for territorial policing, said: "We have already stopped thousands of people from becoming victims of crime during the first three months of this year. It is all part of our determined efforts to both cut crime and make people in Greater Manchester feel safer."

Figures for April to June 2004 show:

3,786 fewer victims of house burglary (35.1 per cent reduction)

361 fewer victims of robbery (14.5 per cent reduction)

2,160 fewer victims of theft from a motor vehicle, (20.8 per cent reduction)

693 fewer victims of theft of a motor vehicle, (12.5 per cent reduction)

It follows on from the 12-month figures to March 2004 where GMP achieved a 14.2 per cent cut in robbery, reduced house burglary by 10.9 per cent and saw a 11.9 per cent cut in car crime.

ACC Thomas added: "Through Operation Hawk and Magpie we have targeted the robbers and burglars that are preying on our communities. With the additional officers, a new style of community-based policing and a focus on improving performance, we will continue to make a difference to the quality of life for people in Greater Manchester."