Crime rates in lockdown plunged by 19 per cent in Greater Manchester

Force chiefs are claiming credit for good policing but there is also an acknowledgement that the pandemic lockdown, with so many people confined to their homes will also have played a big role.

The report also highlighted that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has seen: a 28 per cent reduction in robbery, a 19 per cent cut in victim-based crime and rape offences drop by 14 per cent. Overall crime in 2020 was at its lowest monthly volume in April with 17,079 offences recorded.

Asst Chief Con Chris Sykes said: “The findings of this report are encouraging.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for many people, businesses and sectors –including policing. We initially saw a decrease in crime during the start of lockdown, earlier this year, particularly in relation to robbery and burglary with the majority of people spending long periods of time at home.

“Since the easing of restrictions was announced, we are seeing crime return to levels more in line with pre-COVID norms.

“In addition to the normal levels of crime that we are experiencing, we now have the additional pressures from COVID and those individuals breaching legislation.

“We know that the nature and complexity of crime is continuously changing and we work closely with partners and engage with the local community to ensure that we are delivering the highest standards of policing possible with the resources available.”