Crime Confusion Stirs Fresh Controversy

Anna Roberts reports on the latest batch of crime statistics released by Thames Valley Police.

The headline figure shows crime in general to have fallen by 7%, while robbery and vehicle theft has fallen considerably. 18,934 crimes were reported in the 11 months to the end of February 2010, which compares with 20,310 and 21,010 in the same period in 2009 and 2008.

Reading's Superintendent Jim Weems said 'things are going in the right direction' as these figures showed a three year decline in crime reports in the area.

However Thames Valley Police recieved a 'poor' rating on crime detection in its' annual assessment by HM Inspectorate of Police as the authority was given an overall 'fair' rating.

Thames Valley Chief Constable Sara Thornton responded by explaining that Police priorities have shifted as the policy of recent years has emphasised crime reduction and efforts to improve confidence and satisfaction with the service they provide.

Crime statistics are a highly contentious area as they are increasingly politicised by different parties in an attempt to make political capital out of them. Recently Conservatives were strongly criticised for building a climate of fear ahead of the general election, so it was a positive move to see Superintendent Weems get involved in the discussion on managing crime statistics.

He highlighted the force's online crime mapping tool, which is becoming a powerful weapon in the fight against crime, although this only began to satisfy the critics.

Yet a variety of commenters suggested there is a problem with community engagement that leads to reduced reporting of offences and this may be distorting the statistics and undermining their relevance.

Perhaps Superintendent Weems missed an opportunity to advertise Thames Valley Police's online crime reporting tool - you can find it here: - https://reportonline.thamesvalley.police.uk/

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Update: Anna Roberts notices her oversight and does a good job picking up the pieces. Now I wonder where she got that from?


Oranjepan says:
The crime profile of an area is a constantly changing challenge: governments will always say they are tackling problems, while oppositions will always say they are not or that more can be done.

But there will always be crimes so long as there are criminals, and there will always be criminals so long as reform is required.

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More stories about local crime issues

The Office for National Statistics produces more statistical reports on crime