WIREDGOV

Latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending June 2012 show a 6% decrease in overall crime against adults compared with the previous year's survey.

Crimes recorded by the police also fell by 6% for the year ending June 2012 compared with the previous year. This continues the downward trend in recorded crime seen since 2004/05.

Crime is falling

Crime Prevention Minister Jeremy Browne said: 'Crime is falling. I want people to be safe and secure and this is very welcome news.

'Today's figures indicate you have the lowest chance of being a victim of crime since the survey began in 1981.

'Chief constables are rising to the challenge of making efficiency savings and providing greater value for money. As Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary has said, "the front line is being protected".
 
'Police reform is working. We have swept away central targets and reduced police bureaucracy. This shows that how the police are deployed, rather than their absolute numbers, is what is key to cutting crime.

'There are still areas of local concern, which is why we are making police more accountable, through the election of Police and Crime Commissioners on 15 November. This will mark the most significant democratic reform of policing in our lifetime, placing power back in the hands of the people and giving them a proper say in how their local area is policed.'

Read the latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales. (Opens in a new window)