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Crime in England and Wales falls to lowest level since 1981
Crime is down by more than 10% under this government in both the independent Crime Survey for England and Wales and police recorded crime statistics.
Statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that crime is continuing to fall in England and Wales.
Both the independent Crime Survey for England and Wales and police recorded crime statistics showed that there has been a drop of more than 10% since 2010.
Crime is now at its lowest level since the crime survey began in 1981.
Crime is falling
The survey showed that there has been a 22% fall in violence in the year ending December 2013 compared with the previous year. Vandalism and criminal damage are down 15% and other household theft has dropped by 25%.
Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said:
Under this coalition government, overall crime is down by more than 10% according to both the independent Crime Survey and police recorded crime. Today’s statistics are more good news and the evidence is clear: police reform is working and crime is falling.
Quality
The Minister added:
We can have confidence that England and Wales are safer than they have been for decades, with crime at its lowest level since the survey began in 1981.
The government has a strong record on reinforcing the independence and accountability of the statistics. We asked HMIC last June to carry out an audit of the quality of crime recording in every police force, and the Home Secretary has written to chief constables emphasising that the police must ensure that crimes are recorded accurately and honestly.
