Crime statistics

Should we be scared or is it all over-hyped nonsense from the tabloids? TheSite.org puts it all in perspective.

How many victims are there really?

• According to Home Office Recorded Crime Statistics in England and Wales for 2005/2006, the estimated recording rate of reported offences decreased from 75% in the year ending September 2004 to 70% for the year ending September 2005.

• The risk of becoming a victim of crime has fallen from 40% at its peak in 1995 to 23% in 2005/06, representing just over 6 million fewer victims.

• Recorded violent crime statistics show a 3% increase in violent crime in 2005/06 compared with 2004/2005.

• Domestic burglaries remained stable between 2004/05 and 2005/06. Since 1995 the number of domestic burglaries estimated by the British Crime Survey (BCS) has fallen from 1,770,000 to 733,000 in 2005/2006.

• The public's reporting of crime varies considerably depending on the type of offence. Thefts of vehicles are most likely to be reported (94%), followed by burglaries in which something was stolen. Burglary is the crime most commonly referred to Victim Support, with nearly half a million victims of burglary being offered help each year. Reporting rates are relatively low for crimes such as common assault, muggings and vandalism (35%, 33% and 31% respectively) in 2005/2006.

• It is estimated that one woman in four suffers domestic violence at some time in their lives, and that domestic violence accounts for a quarter of all violent crime.

• According to the BCS, the main reasons for not reporting a crime included it being too trivial a matter; the worry that the police could not do much about it (72%); no real loss occurring; or they considered it a private matter and dealt with it themselves (19% of victims, rising to 40% of violent incidents).

So should I stay locked away in my house?

No, that would be far too drastic. Our fear of crime often exceeds the real risk: we live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by bad news and over-hyped headlines about soaring street crime levels, gun-toting kids running rife through the UK, and shootouts apparently happening on 'every' street corner.

The reality is a little different. Our fear has been pushed to new heights recently with more envisaged terrorist attacks following September 11. This is not a reason to panic or hide away from the big, bad world. This doesn't mean you should go to the other extreme and start leaving you doors unlocked and walking down dark alleys alone; just that a little perspective is needed here, people.

The statistics above show us that yes, crime happens, but often with a little common sense in keeping yourself and your possessions safe you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Our Crime special should arm you with the required information to help you with this, while also providing the names and numbers needed if you have been a victim of crime.