July 21

July 21, 2005: 7% Drop in Crime, Says BCS

Crime in England and Wales fell by 7% in the past year, according to the British Crime Survey (BCS). The BCS is accepted by many criminologists as the most authoritative and reliable indicator of crime trends. The BCS has measured people’s experience of crime in the same way for over 20 years.

Police recorded crime, also published today for the year to 31 March 2005, is down by 6%.

Briefly, statistics from the ‘Crime in England and Wales: 2004/5’ indicate that:

Overall crime is down by 7%t
Violence is down by 11%
All personal crime is down by 11%
Domestic burglary is down by 20%
Vehicle thefts are down by 11%
All household crime is down by5%

The Recorded Crime Statistics for the year to March 2005 compared to the previous year show that:

Total recorded crime is down by 6%
Drug offences are up by 1%
Violence against the person is up by 8%
Overall violent crime is up by 7%
Domestic burglary is down by 20%
Vehicle thefts are down by 17%
Robbery is down by 12%

In addition, the number detections rose by 2%, while the overall detection rate also increased by 3 percentage points.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said:

"I am extremely encouraged by statistics published today which show the overall level of crime is continuing to fall. Particularly impressive is the fall in burglary and vehicle theft which, according to the British Crime Survey, are down 20 and 11 percent respectively. I am pleased to announce that we have delivered on the target... to reduce vehicle crime by 30 percent over five years.

"Although the British Crime Survey records an 11 percent decrease in violent crime, I recognise that this remains an issue of concern for many people and the increase in police recorded violent crime contributes significantly to the fear of crime. However, it is important to recognise that half of all recorded violent crime results in no injury and that recording changes introduced in 2002 resulted in the increased recording of violent crimes particularly for less serious violent offences.

"The Violent Crime Reduction Bill currently before Parliament will give new powers to police and local authorities to tackle violent criminals and ensure they are effectively punished. In particular the Bill includes tough new measures to crack down on alcohol-related violence which accounts for 48 per cent of all violent crime...

"The overall picture presented by the statistics is very positive and is testament to the considerable work that has been put into crime reduction initiatives across the criminal justice system. Police numbers are at an all time high and it is encouraging to see the steady two per cent rise in overall detection rates, with the rate for homicide now at 98 per cent. We are engaged in end to end reform of the criminal justice system to bring greater numbers of offenders to justice and deter future offenders and we are rebalancing the system so that it serves victims, witnesses and the community better. However, it is not enough to make the reforms and reduce crime. People need to feel that crime has fallen and feel safer in their communities. I believe this is beginning to happen. But we are not complacent and will continue to ensure that we reduce not only actual crime but also the fear of crime."

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