CRIME in Bolton continues to fall and buck the national trend, new figures released on Thursday showed.

Burglary, robbery and vehicle crime fell between April and December, 2005, according to Home Office statistics.

And in Greater Manchester, burglary, robbery, gun crime and violent crime were also down.

Overall, crime throughout the region fell by 0.3 per cent, which means 772 fewer crimes were committed in the region.

According to the figures, there was a 12.8 per cent drop in burglaries and an 11.7 per cent cut in gun crime. Robbery was down by 2.3 per cent and there was a two per cent fall in violent crime.

A total of 72,431 offences have been detected by Greater Manchester Police, more than 30 per cent above the force target for this period.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Whatton said: "These statistics paint a very encouraging picture and demonstrate the success and determination of our officers, staff and partners in reducing crime, bringing offenders to justice and preventing hundreds of people from becoming victims."

Police say numerous operations to reduce alcohol-related violence and robberies saw extra resources, high-profile policing and the targeting of key offenders as part of the Think Safe, Drink Safe campaign and Operation Hawk.

But Mr Whatton said: "We refuse to be complacent and are still concerned about the impact crime and anti-social behaviour has on our town centre's and communities.

"Over the next few months, as well as continuing to drive down crime in these areas, we will also be concentrating on tackling anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance within our communities.

"We are taking the fight against crime to the criminals and with the support of our partners and local residents, we will continue to win the fight against crime and make Greater Manchester safer."