ACPO comment on Crime in England and Wales quarterly update to September 2010

ACPO head of crime Chief Constable Keith Bristow said:

“Police forces across England and Wales are continuing to play their part in driving down crime and protecting the public from harm.

“The latest recorded crime statistics and British Crime Survey results show police recorded crime for the twelve months to September 2010 has decreased seven per cent, while the official crime survey data shows a five per cent reduction in crime.

“The British Crime Survey data also shows the risk of being a victim of crime remains at a 30-year-low.

“The police recorded crime rates show falls in most areas, however we are not complacent.

“Nationally we have been working to improve all areas of sex offence investigation, with a particular emphasis on rape in domestic abuse cases. We remain determined to bring to justice people who commit sexual offences and we are making significant progress in this critical area, particularly around giving victims confidence to come forward and report these crimes and we need them to do so.

“In separate data out today, homicide and firearms offences are also down. The homicide rate also remains at its lowest level on the homicide index in 12 years.

“These overall results are a strong indication of the efforts of our workforce and others to keep people safe.”

ENDS

'Quarterly Crime Stats for the 12 months to September 2010 England and Wales' bulletin can be found here: http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs11/hosb0211.pdf

'Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2009/10: Supplementary Volume 2 to Crime in England and Wales 2009/10’ http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs11/hosb0111.pdf

For more information please contact:

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