The number of people in south Manchester being forced to make car insurance claims in 2008 as the result of crime may have fallen, if police figures are anything to go by.

Force statistics revealed vehicle offences fell by 11 per cent last year - meaning there were 328 fewer victims than in 2007.

Officers explained they had managed to achieve this by employing high-profile vehicle, bike and foot patrols, as well as targeting crime hotspots.

They added offenders had also been brought to justice through the use of covert surveillance.

However, although overall vehicle crime fell, police warned people in the area there had been a worrying increase in car-jackings in Didsbury recently.

Detective Inspector Damian Moran said: "I want to send a clear message to offenders that their actions will not be tolerated and we will be doing everything in our power to bring them to justice."

In other news from Greater Manchester police, the force recently urged motorists in Rochdale to attend sessions where officers will make it harder for thieves to remove their number plates.

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