NCJ Number
214191
Date Published
2006
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This report presents an overview and summary of crime in England and Wales, specifically crime patterns, offenders, causes and factors of crime, and government interventions and the impact of interventions.
Abstract
In England and Wales, all major types of volume crime are being driven downward. Overall, crime against individuals and households has fallen by almost 40 percent since 1995 according to the British Crime Survey. However, despite the reductions in crime, the total cost of crime to individuals and households in 2003-2004 was around 36.2 billion (pounds). Most crimes were concentrated in certain geographical areas particularly deprived areas. Offending was highest among young men in their late teens, particularly for violence and non-injury assault. Crime levels were determined by a mixture of personal and environmental factors: early development, lifestyle and opportunities, aggravating factors, and the opportunities and deterrents to offending. Early year development interventions have been shown to be successful in preventing offending later in life. Examples of early year intervention programs are the Sure Start and On-Track programs. Personalized programs for those with severe behavioral problems include Youth Inclusion Programs and Youth Inclusion and Support Panels. In addition, the transformation of the police services into a problem-oriented service is intended to greatly enhance its potential to reduce crime. The new Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) will have as its core objective to reduce the harm caused by organized crime. This analysis of crime in England and Wales was conducted in order to synthesize research, to gain an understanding to inform specific strategies, to provide effective targeting, and to develop critical mass interventions. It provides a broad perspective on the evidence on offenders of high volume crime and impacts of interventions.