A RISE in crime across the region shows government policing cuts are putting people at risk, Bolton’s police and crime commissioner has claimed.

New statistics show crime rose by three per cent in Greater Manchester, while remaining static nationally for the 12 months to June, 2014.

There was a 16 per cent rise in violent crime, five per cent higher than the national increase, while theft, including shoplifting, car crime and burglary, rose by three per cent.

Tony Lloyd, the region’s police chief, said “reckless” cuts to policing, including the axing of 1,500 officers, will put communities in danger.

He said: “Earlier this week, policing minister Mike Penning tried to defend the government’s attack on policing with claims that crime is continuing to fall.

“Well I say to him look again. The figures released today show this is simply not true. It’s exactly the opposite and highlights once again that these reckless cuts are putting our communities at risk.

“GMP’s Twitterthon illustrated the sheer demand on a police service that has already lost 1,500 officers.

“Threats of further cuts will stretch the thin blue line to breaking point. We just can’t take any more.”

Greater Manchester did see a nine per cent fall in theft from the person.

There were 21 per cent more sexual offences recorded in the county last year, with Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable, saying more victims were coming forward.

There have been reductions in criminal damage and arson — down four per cent — and a 16 per cent drop in drug offences compared to a national decline of seven per cent.

Sir Peter said: “The force is now seeing a significant increase in victims coming forward to report assault, domestic abuse and sexual offences.

“This is inevitably leading to more demand on the force as many of these offences are complex and historic cases are particularly challenging.

“The constant reduction in the size of the force is a great concern for staff but they are doing their best to give a good service to the public and to get dangerous people and criminal groups locked up.”