WHILE crime levels have fallen in Trafford over the past year, burglaries have risen by five per cent.

As the Home Office announced the annual crime figures for 2008/09, GMP has vowed to ensure burglars are brought to justice.

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, leading the initiative labelled Operation Storm, said: "We are taking direct action against the burglars who are blighting our communities. They have a tremendous impact on people's lives and this is a tough new response.

"Specialist officers with experience in investigating serious crime are using the same hi-tech systems, forensic skills and knowledge to arrest offenders and put them before the courts."

Figures showed that from 2008/09 1,387 properties were burgled, an increase of 66 incidents.

The results also revealed there were 3,309 fewer victims of crime, nearly a 16 per cent reduction, in the past 12 months.

Chief Superintendent Janette McCormick, of Trafford Division, said: “Figures show that we, as a division, have achieved significant reductions in almost every category of crime, leading to a 15.9 per cent reduction in all crime.

“However, we are constantly looking to improve our performance and service in all areas and I am disappointed that burglary figures have gone up.

“We are determined to permanently drive down this figure and, to achieve this, will be launching a series of tactics over the coming weeks as part of Operation Storm.

“I would like to remind people to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of burglary by ensuring that all unattended windows and doors are kept locked, particularly during the summer months as one in three burglaries occur as a result of insecurity.”

Greater Manchester Police Authority chairman, Councillor Paul Murphy, added: “As the reduction in the numbers of victims shows, there is some tremendous work taking place which is having a positive impact and that should be commended.

"However, there are some areas where more work is needed. GMPA is carefully watching the force's response in these areas and I have every confidence solutions such as Operation Storm will be effective.”

- A 1.7 per cent reduction in robberies (10 less victims)

- A 23.1 per cent reduction in thefts from a vehicle (532 less victims)

- A 28 per cent decrease in thefts of a vehicle (222 les victims)

- A 49.7 per cent decrease in violent crime (152 less victims)

- A 28.7 per cent decrease in thfts from a person (92 less victims)

- A 4.7 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour (849 less victims)

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