A MAJOR drive to cut domestic burglary in Bolton has slashed the crime figures by more than 20 per cent.

Between April 1998 and the following March, a total of 5,856 domestic burglaries were reported across the borough but new figures covering 2000 to 2001 show this has dropped to 4,602 reported incidents.

That is 1,254 fewer incidents reported and represents a 21 per cent drop on 1998-99.

Bolton Council's Executive Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion councillor Frank White: "It's a tremendous impact in a relatively short period and shows what can really be achieved by everyone working towards the same goal."

Cllr White added: "Everyone has pulled together. There's been a mixture of good policing and council and Government initiatives to beat the burglar by providing extra security. There have also been targeted security schemes in a number of areas across the borough including Tonge Moor and Hall i'th' Wood and complementing these have been various projects such as lighting and environmental improvements all aimed at making life more difficult for the burglar.

"The public response has been excellent and it's all added up to a package which has had a pleasing and dramatic result. Our research showed that the fear of crime was one of the major hurdles to be tackled in Bolton and with everyone's co-operation we have made a major impact in an area of real concern to people.

"We are all extremely pleased with the results of the initiative but we won't be sitting back. Now is the time to plan the ways we are going to continue the battle and build on our success," he added. PULLING TOGETHER: Cllr Frank White is pleased by the figures showing a reduction in burglaries