BOLTON'S police officers have one of the highest detection rates for crimes in Greater Manchester, figures reveal.

Bolton's detection rate was in the top three throughout the police divisions of Greater Manchester for the 12 months until March this year.

Figures in the recently released annual Chief Constable's Report reveal that the number of recorded crimes committed in Bolton dropped slightly during those 12 months, compared to the same period the previous year.

There were a total of 31,337 crimes reported to police - just 53 less than last year.

But despite the drop, Bolton still remains fourth in the league table of most crimes committed in the county.

Even though Bolton's police officers are in the top three for detection per crime committed, only about 22 per cent of all recorded crimes are actually solved.

This was compared to little more than 12 per cent or 15 per cent in other areas within GMP and an overall rate of 16.2 per cent.

Throughout the same period there were 2,031 road accidents in the Borough.

The value of drugs seized in Bolton came to £400,875 with total arrests made by the drugs unit amounting to 374.

Overall figures of crime committed in Greater Manchester fell for the third successive year. A decrease of 0.7 per cent saw a total of 303,137 crimes recorded throughout the Borough.

Burglaries went down by 3 per cent, thefts by 2.1 per cent and fraud and forgery by 24.4 per cent.

However violent crimes went up by 10.9 per cent, and sexual offences by 14.2 per cent. Although these categories account for just 3.7 per cent of total crime committed.

Car crime was also reduced. There were 0.9 per cent less thefts of vehicles, and 5.1 per cent less thefts from vehicles.

All 44 murders throughout the 12 months were detected by Greater Manchester detectives.

Out of all the criminals cautioned for crime committed in Greater Manchester in the 12 month period, almost half - 47.9 per cent - were aged under 18 years old.

Commenting on the report, Chief Constable, David Wilmot, said: "No objective achieved or target reached would be possible without the considerable support of the people of Greater Manchester.

"Partnerships and multi-agency initiatives are flourishing and helping to create safer communities.

"Thanks are due in particular to Greater Manchester's business community for their confidence and investment; to local authorities for co-operation in crime prevention measures; to victim support; community drug teams and members of numerous watch schemes for contributing to the protection and care of individuals."

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