Whereas some politicians peddle a “Britain is lawless” narrative, new crime knowledge tells a unique story.
In line with the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics’ (ONS) newest figures, the homicide price in England and Wales fell to its lowest stage since 1977 within the 12 months to September 2025.
Police reported incidents of home housebreaking and car theft had been additionally down – by 12% and 13%, respectively – whereas shoplifting and sexual offences rose by 5% and eight%. The latter, mentioned the ONS, is partly as a result of introduction of latest sexual offences in 2024.
“Many points of violent crime and theft recorded by the police have fallen previously 12 months,” mentioned the ONS’ Billy Gazard. “Murder and gun crime are on the lowest ranges seen this century, whereas knife crime has additionally decreased.”
Police stats not often present a full image as many offences go unreported. Nonetheless, the information on knife crime is supported by hospital figures, which present a fall in admissions for assault by a pointy object.
The ONS’ personal annual crime survey additional enriches the image. It quizzes hundreds of individuals on their experiences of crime and the most recent outcomes level to a year-on-year decline in incidents, albeit slight.
The ONS knowledge comes after London registered its lowest homicide price since data started final 12 months. In the meantime, the US additionally noticed a document fall in its murder price.
Picture: Sander Crombach
