GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) has reported crime in the first six months of the year dropped by 19 per cent from the same period in 2019 – but warned reports are returning to pre-covid levels.

A GMP report, recording crimes between January to June, also found that there was a 28 per cent fall in robbery, a 19 per cent reduction in victim-based crime and a 14 per cent drop in rape offences.

However, the data logged covers a period when the country was under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic from the end of March and measures were only eased in May.

During this time crime fell nationally.

GMP said overall crime in 2020 was at its lowest monthly volume in April with 17,079 crimes recorded.

Although strict coronavirus rules remain in the region, the force says that crime is returning to pre-covid levels, which is placing a strain on officers, who now have the added pressure of enforcing the coronavirus laws.

GMP's Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "The findings of this report are encouraging.

"Our priority as a force is to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe.

"The covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for many people, businesses and sectors –including policing.

"We initially saw a decrease in crime during the start of lockdown, earlier this year, particularly in relation to robbery and burglary with the majority of people spending long periods of time at home.

"Since the easing of restrictions was announced, we are seeing crime return to levels more in line with pre-covid norms.

"In addition to the normal levels of crime that we are experiencing, we now have the additional pressures from covid and those individuals breaching legislation.

"We know that the nature and complexity of crime is continuously changing and we work closely with partners and engage with the local community to ensure that we are delivering the highest standards of policing possible with the resources available.

"This includes the recent launch of our new Neighbourhood Policing Strategy, which outlines our commitment to further strengthening our relationship with the people of Greater Manchester and identifying early intervention opportunities in order to reduce crime.

"I am proud of our GMP staff, officers and volunteers for doing their upmost to continue to provide the best service we can to the people of Greater Manchester and keep our communities safe."