ROBBERIES and violence are on the rise in Bury.

New crime figures show there were 5,972 violent crimes across the borough between April 2006 and March this year - a rise of 316 on the previous 12 months.

The number of robberies, which range from children having their pocket money stolen to armed raids on businesses, has increased by 40 to 383.

Senior police chiefs in Bury say the increases are the result of improved crime-fighting tactics and better reporting facilities for victims which have seen decreases in the number of burglaries and acquisitive crime, such as drug-related incidents.

They maintain the borough is still the safest place to live in Greater Manchester.

Chief Inspector Karan Lee, from the Bury division, said: "Bury has for many years been in the position of having the lowest crime figures across the county, and this continues to be the case.

When comparing crime figures it is important to look at the longer picture and this shows a general downward trend in crime over the last four years.

"In the last year there were 2,171 fewer crimes when compared to 2003/04, a reduction of more than 18 per cent.

"We are having some success in the fight against acquisitive crime particularly burglary, which along with robbery and vehicle crime, have been designated as Greater Manchester Police force priorities.

"Reports of robberies have gone up but much of this is due to new, pro-active work practices that encourage and actively seek the reporting of these crimes.

"Some unfortunately is down to false reporting, a crime that we are taking very seriously and having success in uncovering."

She continued: "Violent crime reporting has increased as we encourage victims of domestic abuse to take a stand and now, thanks to new legislation, can take offenders to court without the consent of the victim.

"Our work to encourage victims of hate crime not to endure it in silence has also led to more reporting of this crime.

"Recent changes in policing tactics that lead us to intervene early and rigorously to cases of disorder and violence in the street before situations escalate into serious ones has also meant an increase in the reports of violence and making our streets safer.

"Pro-active and firm policing has led to decreases in some crimes and increased reporting of others but ultimately we are continuing to win our ultimate aim to fight crime and protect."