GREATER Manchester Police Chief Constable David Wilmot today made a personal Crime fighting pledge to the people of Bolton.

Mr Wilmot has vowed his officers will make every possible effort to bring to justice the thugs and criminals who bring misery to thousands of lives around the town.

The Chief Constable said: "The men and women of Bolton have my pledge that everyone will work together to try and achieve the things they ask us to."

He was visiting council and community leaders in Bolton yesterday to discuss crime fighting plans.

As reported in yesterday's BEN, in the latest violent crime on Bolton's streets a man was shot during a robbery in Farnworth.

As the 21-year-old victim underwent surgery on his foot Bolton police unveiled the most comprehensive study ever of crime in the town.

The Bolton Crime and Disorder Audit revealed the most crime ridden areas of Bolton and highlighted three key crime problems which must urgently be given extra attention.

Violent crime, youth problems and burglaries will be tackled with a fresh approach in Bolton's new crime fighting strategy from April. Mr Wilmot added: "Sometimes the fear of crime is much greater than the reality. Of course we are concerned about violent crimes like the one reported in the newspaper and must do everything we can to prevent them. But people must also remember that they are relatively infrequent.

"In fact Bolton and its town centre is quite a safe place to go to."

Mr Wilmot explained that recent rises in the violent crime statistics - some increased by a massive 90 per cent - were mainly due to new ways of collecting and presenting the figures.

He said: "We are committed to developing local links in order to increase public safety, prevent crime and nuisance and improve life for those who live or work in or visit the area."

The Chief Constable also urged people anxious about local police station re-organisation to be patient.

It is still not clear where the new Bolton police head-quarters will be built.

He said: "Once some areas start to firm up I am sure the public will be informed."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.