CRIME in Greater Manchester has fallen by 11 per cent over the last 12 months, new figures reveal.

The number of offences reported across the county reduced by 42,000 between April, 2004 and March, 2005.

Among the reductions were:

A 28.1 fall in domestic burglaries, down by 10,616 offences

An 18.7 per cent fall in robberies, down by 1,731 offences

A 15.6 per cent reduction in vehicle crime, down by 9,280 offences

And police chiefs have vowed to reduce the figures further by dealing with anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.

Greater Manchester Police revealed violent crime has fallen by three per cent which represents 2,000 fewer offences.

From March, 2004 to February, 2005, 67,752 offenders were brought to justice, representing a 21.9 per cent increase from March 2002.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Whatton hailed the results as a "tremendous achievement." He said: "This has only been made possible through the commitment of officers and the support of the public."

"In the last two years the performance of the force has dramatically improved and is making a significant contribution to the improved quality of life for the people in Greater Manchester."

Since April 2003, total crime has been reduced by 54,111 offences, domestic burglary has been cut by 35.9 per cent, robbery by 30.1 per cent and car crime by 25.6 per cent.

In Bolton, the head of Bolton Police, Chief Superintendent Dave Lea last month welcomed a 16 per cent drop in recorded crime in the town over the last 12 months.

Figures showed an eight per cent fall in incidents in the borough, meaning 500 fewer people had been injured.

Chief Supt Lea has challenged his officers to reduce crime further - by 18 per cent - over the coming year.