LEVELS of robbery, violent Crime and sexual offences soared in Bolton last year, Government figures reveal today.

Robbery levels increased by 47 per cent to 710 cases, 481 more than the year before. Only Salford had more cases in Greater Manchester, with 1,119, the annual Home Office figures show.

Nationally robberies increased by 28 per cent.

Robbery detection rates in Bolton stood at 20.4 per cent -- a slight drop.

Cases of violent attacks rose by 500 to 3,992 last year -- a 15.6 per cent rise.

Levels of sexual offences in Bolton also increased from 187 in 2000/2001 to 273 -- a 46 per cent rise.

But burglary levels fell by six per cent to 4,286, indicating more than 300 fewer victims. Cases of car crime rose with 143 more vehicles across Bolton stolen, a rise of 5.1 per cent.

An extra 794 cases of theft from cars were also reported -- a 16.5 per cent rise from 4208 cases to 4902.

Today, police chiefs vowed to continue tackling crime in Bolton.

Nationally, the figures revealed burglary levels have fallen by 39 per cent since 1997.

Reports of car crime also dropped by more than 26 per cent.

But robbery levels rose by 28 per cent across the country -- and Home Secretary David Blunkett vowed to tackle the offence as a "key priority." He said nationally crime rates were "stable".

The overall rate in Greater Manchester rose in line with national trends, by 4.8 per cent, although 999 calls soared by 11 per cent to more than 641,000.

Car crime and levels of burglary also fell. Robberies increased by 11 per cent -- the lowest rise across the country.

Levels of car theft dropped by 14.2 per cent with 5,295 fewer victims and a 0.3 per cent cut in domestic burglary indicated 103 less victims.

Police recruitment rates across Greater Manchester rose by more than 240 to 7,036 -- with an extra £7.5 million earmarked to tackle crime next year.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Seabridge said: "We are continuing to build upon recent successes that have led to crime cuts and fewer victims.

"We recognise the work to be done and have made robbery and street crime our number one priority."

In Bolton, steps are being taken to address street drinking, persistent offenders, and launch school and parenting schemes under the Crime and Disorder Partnership Group.

Detectives targeted handling stolen property under "Operation Frond".

"Operation Chimney" was successfully used to crack down on burglaries, leading to many arrests and hauls of stolen property being recovered. "Operation Resident" continues to target drug-dealing, prostitution and kerb crawling in Bolton town centre. A robbery squad has also been formed. in Bolton.

Chief Insp Alan Greene of Bolton said: "We have to remember there is more to crime and disorder than figures.

"We are pleased that burglaries are down and we recognise robberies are up in line with the rest of the country, but we have set up a dedicated robbery squad and the early detection rates are encouraging."