24/01/2008

Latest Figures Show Gun Crime Rise

Gun crime is on the rise, according to the latest figures released by the Home Office, it was up by 4% in England and Wales last year.

However, the number of firearms offences resulting in fatalities decreased from 55 to 49, while serious injuries from firearms offences fell by 16%.

The latest British Crime Survey (BCS) showed that levels of crime remained stable in England and Wales for the year ending last September, while levels of crime recorded by police between July and September dropped by 9%, with an 8% drop each in domestic burglaries, and violence against the person cases.

Reported robbery cases also fell by 17%, but there was a 21% increase in the number of recorded drug offences. However, the Home Office said that this rise coincided with increases in the police use of powers to issue cannabis warnings.

Commenting on the figures, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "These latest crime figures contain some excellent results and I am particularly pleased that the risk of being a victim of crime is now at a historically low level.

"Recorded crime is down and crime measured by the BCS is stable.

"Police recorded violence against the person, robbery and burglary have fallen considerably compared with the same period a year ago.

"Enforcement is key part of our approach to tackling drug harm and I welcome further evidence that police are maintaining a tight grip on drugs offending."

(KMcA)


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