Crime statistics show that the police are committed to cutting crime and improving recording

National Policing Lead for Crime Statistics, Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said:

“This year’s crime statistics demonstrate the effect of the police service’s work to cut crime further and to improve the recording of crime. We are seeing a narrowing of the gap between the crime survey and police recorded crime, which should provide reassurance on the integrity of police recording practices. There have been increases in recorded sexual offences, violent crime, fraud and public order, all of which can be attributed to increased confidence in reporting crime, proactive policing and better recording practices.

“The Crime Survey of England and Wales shows a decrease of 14 per cent on the previous year and that your chances of being a victim of crime are at their lowest since the survey began. The majority of crime types have stayed stable or fallen.

“Police recorded sexual offences have increased 20 per cent in the last year. We believe that this is unlikely to be down to more sexual offences being committed but a positive sign that, following high-profile sexual abuse investigations, victims are reporting abuse because they think that they will be believed and treated sensitively.

“The 17 per cent reported increase in fraud should be treated with caution as it likely to be predominately caused by centralised recording through Action Fraud, which has been launched and promoted to the public in the last year.

“Chief constables need and want accurate crime data so that they can understand the threats to our communities and direct resources effectively to cut crime and protect those we serve. It is also vital that the public trust that if they are victim of crime it will be recorded accurately, investigated fully and that police will take appropriate action. We will continue to focus on ensuring crime statistics are an accurate picture that the public can trust.”

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk