Use of Information Systems

A wide range of sources of national and local data on domestic burglary is available. All need to be treated with caution bearing in mind the results of the British Crime Survey. Not only are there differences nationally between estimates of offences, reported offences and recorded offences, there are also variations from area to area in how offences are reported and recorded.

The requirements of insurance companies and the lack of home contents insurance by some households will both influence the levels of reported crime.

The completeness and accuracy of the crime report is often patchy. Nevertheless it is useful to use a routine standard analysis.

Useful data sources will include those of the respective partner agencies particularly landlords, including health authorities and probation. In addition to data, it may also be helpful to gather information from voluntary organisations such as Victim Support, Age Concern and faith groups as well as resident surveys and interviews with local activists and councillors

Using a range of data sources can help to double check that data is reliable.

Some other useful checks involve:

• Being as clear as possible about what information is required.

• Spending time talking to the person providing the data in order to understand fully the basis on which it is collected.

• Being aware of the uses to which the information is already put.

• Running a ‘reasonableness test’

• Are the figures what one might expect in relation to the area/issue in question?

• Are their ‘blips’? If so, how can these be explained?