Menu
23/10/2008
Police 'Failing To Record' Serious Violent Crime
British police forces are failing to properly record serious violent crime, according to new statistics released by the Home Office.
The government report blamed inaccurate police record keeping for a 22% rise in the number of the most serious crimes - including murder, attempted murder and manslaughter - in England and Wales.
Today, the government revealed the rise in serious violent crime was partly due to a minority of police forces - 13 out of the 43 forces across England and Wales - wrongly recording grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent in categories of 'other violent crime'.
However, the Home Office quarterly statistics, which cover April to June of this year, show that overall crime is down by 6% and overall violent crime is down compared with last year.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "Last year we revised offence categories for recording the most serious violence and clarified our guidance to police forces.
"This change means that this quarter's figures are not comparable with last year's. However, for most types of violence where the guidance hasn't changed - like homicide, robbery and death by driving - the numbers are down since last year."
Ms Smith added: "However, for most types of violence where the guidance hasn't changed, like homicide, robbery and death by driving, the numbers are down since last year.
"The overall number of violent crimes is down too - by 7% - almost 18,000 fewer violent crimes."
Drug offences were also on the rise, according to the figures - up by 8% - and a sharp rise in muggings was also recorded.
The department admitted undercounting among some police forces has been going on for over a decade.
(JM)
The government report blamed inaccurate police record keeping for a 22% rise in the number of the most serious crimes - including murder, attempted murder and manslaughter - in England and Wales.
Today, the government revealed the rise in serious violent crime was partly due to a minority of police forces - 13 out of the 43 forces across England and Wales - wrongly recording grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent in categories of 'other violent crime'.
However, the Home Office quarterly statistics, which cover April to June of this year, show that overall crime is down by 6% and overall violent crime is down compared with last year.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "Last year we revised offence categories for recording the most serious violence and clarified our guidance to police forces.
"This change means that this quarter's figures are not comparable with last year's. However, for most types of violence where the guidance hasn't changed - like homicide, robbery and death by driving - the numbers are down since last year."
Ms Smith added: "However, for most types of violence where the guidance hasn't changed, like homicide, robbery and death by driving, the numbers are down since last year.
"The overall number of violent crimes is down too - by 7% - almost 18,000 fewer violent crimes."
Drug offences were also on the rise, according to the figures - up by 8% - and a sharp rise in muggings was also recorded.
The department admitted undercounting among some police forces has been going on for over a decade.
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 January 2005
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
21 April 2005
Figures reports rise in violent crime
Violent crime is on the rise, police figures have revealed, increasing by 9% in the last three months of 2004. However, overall crime fell compared with the same period last year, with the total number of crimes recorded by police in England and Wales in the last quarter falling by 5% to 1,381,400.
Figures reports rise in violent crime
Violent crime is on the rise, police figures have revealed, increasing by 9% in the last three months of 2004. However, overall crime fell compared with the same period last year, with the total number of crimes recorded by police in England and Wales in the last quarter falling by 5% to 1,381,400.
04 April 2003
Crime rates fall by 9% in England and Wales
According to the latest British Crime Survey statistics, crime in England and Wales fell by 9% in the 12 months to December 2002. The report also found an 11% fall in domestic burglary and 2% fall in violent crime and a 17% fall in vehicle theft as compared to the same period the previous year.
Crime rates fall by 9% in England and Wales
According to the latest British Crime Survey statistics, crime in England and Wales fell by 9% in the 12 months to December 2002. The report also found an 11% fall in domestic burglary and 2% fall in violent crime and a 17% fall in vehicle theft as compared to the same period the previous year.
21 July 2005
Police report violent crime reaches new high
The number of cases of violent crime against people recorded by police has reached a new high. Police figures recorded 1,035,046 cases in England and Wales in the year 2004 to 2005 - a rise of 8% on the previous year. Overall crime figures dropped by 6% to 5.6 million incidents, with a 20% fall in burglary and a 17% fall in car thefts.
Police report violent crime reaches new high
The number of cases of violent crime against people recorded by police has reached a new high. Police figures recorded 1,035,046 cases in England and Wales in the year 2004 to 2005 - a rise of 8% on the previous year. Overall crime figures dropped by 6% to 5.6 million incidents, with a 20% fall in burglary and a 17% fall in car thefts.
21 October 2004
Violent crime and firearms offences on the rise: police figures
Despite an overall crime dip of 5%, violent crime in England and Wales has risen by 11% compared to the same quarter last year, according to police figures out today. Firearm offences rose overall by 3% - the biggest hikes were for offences that resulted in no injury, at 28%, and for the use of imitation firearms.
Violent crime and firearms offences on the rise: police figures
Despite an overall crime dip of 5%, violent crime in England and Wales has risen by 11% compared to the same quarter last year, according to police figures out today. Firearm offences rose overall by 3% - the biggest hikes were for offences that resulted in no injury, at 28%, and for the use of imitation firearms.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
