United Kingdom

Last update: March 2008

1. Crime statistics (Source: Home Office 2006/2007 police recorded crime and British crime survey)

Population (2005): 60 209 500
Total crime: 11.3 mio BCS, 5.4 mio PRC
Percentage change in BCS offences: Crime in England and Wales increased between 1981 and 1995, it then fell sharply and has recently stabilised. There has been a fall of 42% since peak in 1995, representing over half a million fewer crime victims)
Main Offences (as by Police recorded crime 2006/2007):
Violence against persons: 19%
Sexual offences: 1%
Robbery: 2%
Burglary: 11%
Offences against vecicles: 14%
Other thefts: 23%
Fraud and forgery: 4%
Criminal damage (vandalism): 22%
Main Offences (as by British Crime Survey 2006/2007):
Violent crime: 22%
Burglary: 6%
Vehicle thefts: 15%
Other thefts: 30%
Vehicle vandalism: 17%
Other vandalism: 10%

Offenders (2003/2004):
Total: 75.000
Minors percentage (10-17) : 27%
Women percentage: 14%
Foreigners’ percentage: NA
Prison population ( on 31 Jan 2008): 81 592, up 2% from last year
Prison capacity (2004): 66.252
Age of criminal responsibility: 10
National victimisation survey: Yes, British Crime Survey
more about crime stats and BCS

2. Safety and crime prevention (general)

Police forces : 43 police forces in England and Wales, with more than 140 000 police officers, 14 000 volunteer special constables, and 13 400 community support officers.
Judicial system workforce: 2.500 (1.559 judges, 2,97 for 100.000 inhabitants, in 2005)
Private security forces: 2.170.000 (source Home Office 2005)
Relevant NGO’s operating in the field of crime prevention: National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders NACRO, Crime Concern , Suzy Lamlugh Trust , Communities that Care , NSPCC National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, National Community Safety Network

3. Competence of State, regional and local authorities / partnerships structures

National Crime Prevention Council: No, but organisation of community safety professionals National Community Safety Network National action plans [1]: Domestic Violence: Crime and Victims Bill (April 2005), Sexual offences Act (2003), A new deal for victims and witnesses strategy (July 2003), Crime and Disorder Act (1999), Football Disorder Act (2000).
Regional level sphere of competence: Regional Government offices for crime exist in all UK regions
Local authorities: The 1998 Crime and Disorder Act established partnerships between the police, local authorities, probation service, health authorities, the voluntary sector, and local residents and businesses. These partnerships are working to reduce crime and disorder in their area by consulting with the local community and devising a strategy to deal with identified priority problems. The Crime and Disorder Act placed the duty on local authorities and the police to work in co-operation with other agencies to formulate and implement a crime and disorder strategy and to carry out regular audits. The Act created 376 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) throughout England and Wales, often called Community Safety Partnerships.
CDRPs oversee the work of both local YOT (Youth Offending Teams) and local DAT (Drug Action Teams).
Role of elected officials (city mayors): Councillors are represented in all Police authorities and are involved in supporting the crime prevention strategy.

4. Main Debates

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)
Terrorism (in the light of July 2005 terrorist attacks in London)
Racism and Hate Crimes (considering large increase, doubled since 2000)

Notes: [1] In the field of : violence against women, sexual abuse and exploitation of children, Victim support, violence in schools, urban violence, violence during sports events, trafficking in human beings, youth crime, violence in the media.