COMMUNITIES are being asked to protect themselves from crime under a new initiative launched today.

The new Citizens’ Contract is a seven-point programme issued by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), urging the public to assume more responsibility for keeping communities safe as the force is made to save a further £67m in by 2020.

“We need you to protect yourself, your property, your family and communities”, reads the contract.

The contract this week clarifies what help the public can expect from police as crime rates continue to climb across Greater Manchester.

It suggests the public must play a larger and more active role in crime prevention.

The document illustrates in seven points “what we (GMP) will do and what we need you to do”, to keep communities safe.

n It stresses the need for communities to tackle anti-social behaviour from youths before it escalates into more serious criminality.

nThe public are urged to “make the right contact to the right agency at the right time”.

This summer, GMP launched a Live Chat service for people to report incidents without having to call 999. It has proved popular as an alternative to traditional 999 calls.

n GMP urges people to continue reporting criminal behaviour, despite increased waiting times for calls to be answered on the 101 non-emergency number.

“We need you to provide information to help tackle crime and make communities safer”, it reads.

n Police resources mean officers must respond to reports based on a scale of priority.

The public are asked to try and “understand and trust police decision making on use of resources”.

n Neighbours should come together to “actively keep communities safe”.

In turn, GMP pledge to “listen to people” and use feedback to “help build stronger communities.”

n People are encouraged to speak to neighbourhood police officers and give their views on community safety.

n The public are asked to become more involved in their communities and "consider being a part of policing".

GMP want community groups to engage with the wider community and help protect vulnerable and elderly neighbours.

It is hoped the initiative will embolden communities to take ownership of crime prevention by acting as the first line of defence.