Knife crime levels among highest

Greater Manchester has among the highest levels of knife crime

Greater Manchester has the third highest level of knife crime in England and Wales, according to crime figures.

The figures, from Greater Manchester Police, show there were 2,294 incidents between April 2007 and March 2008.

A force-by-force breakdown revealed London had the highest number of knife crime attacks at 7,409, and the West Midlands had the second with 2,303.

The figures were released days after five knife attacks in Bolton over a 48-hour period.

One of the attacks resulted in the death of a 31-year-old Paul Gilligan.

'Small proportion'

Ch Supt Steve Hartley, of Greater Manchester, Police said the number of knife crime incidents had remained "fairly stable" in the last few years.

"While this type of crime accounts for only a small portion of overall crime, like any crime involving weapons it can have a devastating effect on people's lives, and Greater Manchester Police is committed to reducing the number of knives and offensive weapons on the streets," he said.

"The force is currently undertaking a number of initiatives to tackle the issue with the most recent being Operation Hydrofoil where Police and Trading Standards officers visited over 100 shops to check they were not selling knives to under 18s.

"We are also conducting a profile study of knife crime with local health authorities and public transport companies that will inform a short, medium and long-term strategy and be announced very soon."

The statistics showed in general, crime was down 10% in Greater Manchester - with 34,588 fewer victims than the previous year.

'Continued reductions'

Violent crime was reduced by 12% on the previous year, with 6,764 fewer victims.

Vehicle crime was reduced the most, with 12,439 fewer victims - a drop of 21% compared to April 2006 to March 2007.

Incidents of criminal damage fell by 16% and the numbers of burglaries and robberies have both dropped by 9%.

Ass Ch Con Dave Thompson said he was pleased with the continued reductions, which built on the force's recent success in cutting crime.

"We know there will be even greater challenges ahead but we are committed to continuing to make the communities of Greater Manchester safer," he added.

Greater Manchester Police have recently invested £6.5m in the fight to tackle gun crime.

Detection rates have risen by almost 10% in the past five years to 25%.