January 26

January 26, 2006: Crime Statistics: Major Review Ahead

A major cross-party review of how crime statistics are compiled and published was announced today by Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

The review aims to increase public understanding of crime trends and crime data in England and Wales. Set up in response to a lack of understanding by the public about the levels and type of crime, the review team have been tasked with making recommendations to the Home Secretary on how to provide a measure of crime which is transparent, understood and trusted.

The review's terms of reference are:

To examine the key issues raised by the Statistics Commission about crime statistics and to make practical recommendations to the Home Secretary as to what changes are needed to address those issues.

These recommendations will need to take account of the changes to strengthen the system of official statistics announced by the Chancellor in November, on which further detail will be published shortly.

The Statistics Commission identified in their December 2005interim report "Crime Statistics: User Perspectives" the following five issues of importance to those who need and use crime information:

public trust in crime data
measures of total crime
measurement of the fear of crime
international comparisons
getting the best from data held by local police forces

It will be undertaken by an independent group of opposition party nominees, leading statisticians and media representatives. Members will include British Society of Criminology President Professor Tim Newburn; Kate Flannery of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary; former Victim Support chief executive Dame Helen Reeves; and Ian Johnston, of the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Mr Clarke said:

"I have been concerned for some time that Home Office crime statistics have been questioned and challenged. This has got to the point that most people seem confused about what is happening to crime in this country. This is why I have established an independent cross-party group of experts to look at this issue. I have asked the group to feel free to advise me in whatever way they feel appropriate to help us increase public confidence in our measures of crime.

"In terms of the statistics published today, I am encouraged that the British Crime Survey shows significant falls in domestic burglary and vehicle theft. However, as in previous quarters, police recorded violent crime is increasing, as is robbery. It is these increases that are of most concern to the public and why we will not take our eye of the ball when it comes to reducing these types of crimes.

"The Violent Crime Reduction Bill currently before Parliament will give new powers to police and local authorities to tackle violent criminals and ensure they are effectively punished. The recent rises in robbery, whilst understandably concerning, come on the back of the substantial reductions made during the Street Crime Initiative.

"Despite the fact that most crime categories are falling, fear of crime is still too high and public perception is often at odds with reality. That is why we need to look again at the statistics and find out why people do not believe them. I want to get to a situation, on a cross-party basis, where we all agree on how crime in this country is going to be measured and are assured that the statistics are produced in an independent way that commands public credibility."

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