MORE crimes are committed in Greater Manchester than almost anywhere else in the country - and the police detection rate is among the worst.

Figures released today by the Audit Commission show that while Greater Manchester Police Force figures had improved slightly on past performance, they were still the worst of all the Metropolitan areas.

More burglaries are committed per 1,000 households in Greater Manchester than anywhere else in the country, yet its detection rate was the worst within all seven Metropolitan districts.

The clear-up rate for burglaries in the best-performing Metropolitan force, West Yorkshire, was almost twice that of the worst, Greater Manchester.

The Audit Commission report shows that Greater Manchester falls below all average performances listed.

More than 115 people out of 1,000 are victims of crime of all kinds in the county - more than any other Metropolitan region, and third highest throughout the country. The average is 78.

However, when it comes to the number of crimes detected per police officer, Greater Manchester fares a little better. It appears in mid-table, although below the national average of 9.2 crimes, at 8.4;

There are more violent crimes than in any other Metropolitan area, at 9.8 per 1,000 people;

More burglaries are committed, figures showing a startling 43.2 households out of every 1,000 fall victim in Greater Manchester - more than anywhere else in the country;

And the overall detection rate falls below 20pc - again the worst out of all Metropolitan districts, dropping under the 26pc average and listed as third worst throughout the country;

Less than 60pc of violent crime is detected, compared to a nationwide average of 77pc. The Metropolitan Police only showing worse figures;

Little more than 10pc of burglaries are solved within Greater Manchester - the national average being 17pc.

Today the force defended its record, pointing to the fact that the clear up rates were improving.

Stuart Render, of the police authority, said: "The officers in the front line are providing an excellent service."

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