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Crime statistics in England and Wales: quarterly update year ending Dec 08

23 April 2009

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said, 'Since 1997, overall crime has fallen by 39%, violence is down by 40% and burglary is down by 55%.

'Today's statistics show that overall crime is stable or falling and the risk of being a victim remains historically low. Violent crime, robbery, sexual offences and firearm offences continue to fall and I particularly welcome the 12% fall in knife related murder.

‘But we know we are facing some new challenges now and are focusing our experience and knowledge to tackle these head-on. That is why we have already responded to early concerns about burglary - working with police, charities, DIY stores and insurers to increase enforcement activity, target repeat offenders and give practical advice to help people secure their homes.

'There is an apparent rise in theft from the person shown by the British Crime Survey (new window)(BCS), although the comparable recorded crime figure has fallen by 4%. We are also seeing falls in both robbery and vehicle crime. Levels of all household and acquisitive crime remain stable. Record numbers of police already have the flexibility and resources to tackle local crime priorities and ensure that we can help to keep crime down.'

Notes to editors

Theft from the person mainly comprises stealth theft (involving no force and where the victim was unaware of what was happening at the time).

It also includes snatch theft (where an offender snatches property from the victim with an element of force just enough to snatch the property). Theft from the person does not include robbery (which involves force or the threat of force against the person). Robbery is included within the overall category of BCS violence.

A copy of the document Crime in England & Wales: quarterly update to December 2008 (new window) is available online.

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