22 January 2004
Crime in England and Wales has remained stable compared to the same quarter last year, according to new figures from the British Crime Survey (BCS).
The BCS, regarded as the most authoritative and reliable indicator of crime trends, show that burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, have all fallen significantly. The risk of being a victim of crime is at its lowest level in more than 20 years.
Violent crime in the BCS remained stable but police recorded violent crime increased by 14 per cent. Much of this rise is due to an increase in the reporting and recording of ‘low level’ thuggery and more willingness by victims to report sex offences and domestic violence.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said it is important to put the increases in police recording of violent crime into context. She said that local forces now have a clearer picture of crime in their area.
"We are also encouraging victims to report crimes, especially violent and sexual offences, and we would expect to see a rise in these figures."
The BCS statistics show that total crime is down by one per cent compared to the same quarter in the previous year. They also show a two per cent fall in domestic burglary and a fall of five per cent in vehicle crime.
Gun crime figures also published today show that the number of firearm offences, excluding air rifles, increased by two per cent in 2002/03 compared to 34 per cent in the previous year. The use of handguns to commit a crime decreased by six per cent.
Ms Blears said recently introduced measures would deter firearm offenders and punish the perpetrators.
"We are determined to drive down gun crime and this sends out a tough message that anyone flouting our gun laws will face a lengthy time in prison."
From today those in possession of an illegal firearm will receive a mandatory five-year prison sentence.
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