Crime in England and Wales
Quarterly Update to September 2007
This update presents the most recent crime statistics from two different sources: the British Crime Survey (BCS) and police recorded crime. Both data sets represent the most up-to-date information, but they cover different time periods. The BCS results are from interviews conducted in the period October 2006 to September 2007; police recorded crime refers to the July to September 2007 quarter.
Title: Crime in England and Wales: Quarterly update to September 2007
Authors: Home Office
Series: Home Office Statistical Bulletin 01/08
Number of pages: 11
Date published: January 2008
Availability: Download full report 
PDF 187Kb
Main Points
- British Crime Survey (BCS) interviews in the year to September 2007 show a statistically significant decrease in the risk of being a victim of crime compared with the year to September 2006 (23% as against 24%). The risk of being a victim has returned to its lowest level since the survey began in 1981.
- The number of crimes recorded by the police fell by 9% for the period July to September 2007 compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
- With the exception of all personal acquisitive crime, which decreased by 11%, BCS measures of crime remained stable for interviews in the year ending September 2007 compared with the previous year. This was true for violent crime, burglary, vehicle-related theft and vandalism.
- Recorded violence against the person for July to September 2007 fell by 8% compared with the same period in 2006.
- Recorded domestic burglary fell by 8% for July to September 2007.
- Recorded crime showed a 12% fall in offences against vehicles for July to September 2007 and an 11% fall in criminal damage.
- In the 12 months to September 2007 there were a provisional 10,182 firearm offences. This was an increase of 4%, or 427 offences, compared with the 12 months ending September 2006.
- There was a significant decrease in the proportion of people with high levels of worry about car crime and violent crime in the year ending September 2007, compared to the year ending September 2006.
- BCS interviews showed no change in the overall levels of perceived anti-social behaviour.
- The BCS shows confidence in the local police significantly increased in the 12 months to September 2007, compared to the previous year.
Getting a copy
Download "Crime in England and Wales, Quarterly Update to September 2007" PDF 187Kb
Last update: Friday, January 25, 2008