A new system of dealing with less serious crimes is being tested by police.

Bosses say the system is designed to cut down on red tape.

Two local resolution teams will be based at Bury and Whitefield police stations from 7am to 11pm.

The four-strong teams will be tasked with dealing with and signposting calls more effectively, and signposting other bodies which may be of help, such as in domestic abuse cases.

Instead of waiting for days, in some cases, to receive a crime number for insurance purposes, or to receive a visit from a police officer, police say they aim to respond in a more effective manner.

The system was launched on Monday for a six-week trial, and if it is a success, it will be rolled out across the force.

Bury police have spoken to 400 people to find out what they expect from police if they are a victim of crime.

Det Sgt Laurence Dixon said: “In the past the system has focused on what we want, rather than what the customer or the victim wants. It is about trying to improve the customer experience.

“We want to get better at following through and helping people who have the courtesy to report something.”

Police stressed that the scheme will have no effect on emergency numbers — the scheme is aimed at improving how non-emergency incidents are dealt with.

Det Sgt Dixon added: “We want to get better not just at helping citizens, but helping the wider community as well..”

The system is also being trialled by police in Tameside.