Burglaries up - but overall crime is down

(Getty)

Police are recording more burglaries, robberies and personal thefts, according to Government figures published today.

Domestic burglary rose by 3 per cent, robbery by 1 per cent and personal theft by 5 per cent between April and June, compared to the same period the previous year.

But overall crime in England and Wales fell by 4 per cent, the fourth successive quarter in which fewer offences were recorded.

Many areas of crime, including violence, vehicle theft, criminal damage and firearm offences, have fallen.

But senior officers are likely to focus on the continuing trend for rising numbers of acquisitive crimes, including burglary and theft.

There were 67,000 domestic burglaries between April and June, compared with 65,200 during the same period the previous year, an increase of 1,800 offences.

Overall, there were 141,700 burglaries, including raids on commercial properties, compared with 138,900 during the same period the previous year.

Theft offences fell by 3 per cent, but this masked an increase in personal thefts, with 228,000 offences taking place, an increase of 12,000 crimes. Bicycle thefts soared by 22 per cent.

Separate British Crime Survey (BCS) figures, which are based on interviews with residents, showed overall levels of crime remain stable.

The survey found household crime has fallen by 4 per cent, with no change in the level of personal crime. The risk of being a crime victim remains at a historic low.

Analysts attributed the fall in household crime to a 6 per cent drop in vandalism.

The BCS is favoured by Government statisticians because its methods are unaffected by changes in the levels of reporting to police and recording practice.

Policing Minister David Hanson said: "Today's statistics show that overall recorded crime continues to fall and the British Crime Survey shows risk of being a victim remains historically low.

"Violent crime and firearm offences continue to fall and I particularly welcome this quarter's continued fall in knife-related violence, including a 35 per cent drop in knife-related homicide, down from 71 to 46.

"For the first time, 50 per cent of people are confident that the police and local agencies are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter locally, an increase from 45 per cent, while overall the number of people who think anti-social behaviour is a problem remains stable.

"Although overall acquisitive crime is falling, we continue to see some upward pressure on burglary, robbery and some theft.

"That is why earlier this year we took firm action through a £20m package, including targeting priority areas, to nip burglary and robbery in the bud, help to secure up to 60,000 vulnerable homes across the country and practical help for retailers to tackle shoplifting and theft.

"Since 1997, crime as measured by the BCS has fallen by 36 per cent, violence is down by 41 per cent and burglary is down by 54 per cent."

Warwickshire chief constable Keith Bristow, the national lead on tackling crime, said: "Crime has traditionally increased following periods of economic recession and the 3 per cent rise in domestic burglary compared to the same period last year is a reminder that we all must remain vigilant.

"Many burglars are opportunistic and can be deterred by householders securing windows and doors with decent locks.

"The police service is in a strong position to confront any challenges in this area.

"Forces are working in partnership with local agencies to build public confidence in our ability to keep people safe, through tackling crime and disorder, giving local people a say in the crime issues that matter in their streets and neighbourhood and improving their everyday experience of policing."