There is evidence of a growth in the use of imitation guns in crime but
no figures can be put on this. It is likely however that some of the rise in handgun crime is attributable to imitations.
Much recent research has highlighted the fact that the UK does not have a particularly low rate of violent crime but it does have a low rate of gun crime. This is because of our tight gun laws and because we do not have an armed police force. It is clear to the vast majority of British citizens that any relaxation of gun controls or the routine arming of the police would lead to an increase in the use of guns in crime. For these reasons such developments
Summary
British Crime Survey data in the update, the most reliable indicator of crime trends that measures people’s experience of crime, shows a seven per cent drop in crime and a drop in fear of crime.
Police recorded crime statistics, after adjustment to take account of new recording rules, have decreased by 1 per cent in the period July to September 2002.
British Crime Survey data for the 12 months to September 2002, shows:
- 7 per cent drop in all crime
- 2 per cent drop in violent crime
- 7 per cent drop in domestic burglary
- 14 per cent drop in vehicle theft
British Crime Survey trends since 1997 indicate:
- All crime down 27 per cent
- Burglary down 39 per cent
- Vehicle thefts down 32 per cent
- Violent crime down 26 per cent
Headline figures for recorded crime are still significantly affected by the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS), introduced formally in all police forces in April 2002. It is a more victim centred method of recording crime which will lead to more reliable, transparent statistics and will greatly assist the police to analyse and address the problems faced by our communities.
The quarterly figures include:
- 28 per cent increase in violence against the person (4 per cent after adjustment for recording changes)
- 8 per cent drop in robbery (a 10 per cent drop after adjustment for recording changes)
- 3.2 per cent increase in domestic burglary (2 per cent after adjustment for recording changes)
- 1.5 per cent increase in theft of and from vehicles
- 25.6 per cent increase in sexual offences (the small number of offences involved does not make it possible to make an adjustment for recording changes but it is likely to have had a considerable impact)
Supplementary volumes of ‘Crime in England and Wales 2001/2’ are also issued today, including recorded crime and British Crime Survey data for the 12 months to April 2002. They highlight the need for tough measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, wide ranging reform of the criminal justice system and increased sentences for possession of a firearm.
The data shows that:
- A third of people cite anti-social behaviour problems such as rubbish, vandalism and ‘teenagers hanging around’ as a very or fairly big problem. A white paper on anti-social behaviour will be published shortly, to be followed by a Bill.
- Less than half of adults believe that the criminal justice system is effective in bringing people to justice (44 per cent) or dealing with cases promptly and efficiently (39 per cent).
- Only 36 per cent were confident the criminal justice system is effective in reducing crime and 34 per cent believe it meets the needs of victims. The Home Secretary recently introduced the Criminal Justice Bill, part of a radical and wide-ranging programme of reform of the Criminal Justice System with a clear focus on fighting and reducing crime.
Homicide statistics show that 858 deaths were initially recorded as homicide in 2001/2, an increase of 1 per cent on 2000/1. Firearms were used in 12 per cent of homicides, an increase of 32 per cent (23 cases) on 2000/01. A Home Office research report, ‘Reducing Homicide’ also published today examines ways to reduce homicide in the UK drawing on international research and other literature.
Firearms, excluding air weapons, were used in 9,974 recorded offences in 2001/2 – an increase of 35 per cent compared to 2000/1. In 24 per cent of these offences the firearm was fired. Air weapons were used in 12,340 recorded crimes, a rise of 21 per cent compared to 2000/01. In 95 per cent of these offences the air weapon was fired.
