ACPO response to Crime Statistics for England & Wales, year ending March 2013

“The likelihood of someone becoming a victim of crime is at its lowest level in over 30 years. This is good news for the communities we serve to protect and reflects the hard work of police forces who continue to do all they can to protect communities from harm. A key success reflected in the figures is the significant reduction in the number of victims of anti-social behaviour with 458,166 fewer offences compared with last year.

“However, although police recorded crime is down by 7% we are seeing some emerging trends. Data shows that fraud is up 27%. Although this increase is partly down to the introduction of a more efficient centralised recording system, it also shows us that criminals are adopting new tactics and crime is moving away from more traditional forms to the online world. Additionally the threat from international terrorism continues to loom large and will continue to put communities at risk and place immense pressure on policing - the impact this has on police resources cannot be underestimated.

“The need for policing to deliver safe and confident neighbourhoods and engage effectively with the public will remain so we are disappointed to also see in today’s figures that theft against the person is up 9%. The major driver is the rising number of mobile phone thefts. We would urge the public to take particular care of mobile phones and personal items when in public places where thieves may seek to take advantage.

“Chief officers around the country have been proactive about the reduction in their resources and have worked very hard to ensure that cuts have had as little impact as possible on frontline policing. We recognise the challenges ahead and remain resolutely committed to protecting the public which we serve but I suspect the full effect of the cuts has not yet been truly felt.”

ENDS

For more information please contact:

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