By Jade Lyons, Sam Ellison, Stuart Spray, Erik Dawson, Jacob Moseley and Rosie Vacciana-Browne.
The fear of serious crime is rising across the UK. For the people of Leicester, this is no different. The publicity given to crime in the media, both on television, radio, and social could be a factor. Tom, from Leicester, commented “I don’t watch the news, however I think crime has increased a little because there are less police around.” However, statistics show that the rate of serious crimes in the UK and Leicester itself, have actually gone down.
IPSOS Mori found in a recent study about the “perils of perception”, the general public tends to believe everything is worse than in reality. This includes, major crime such as murders, sexual assault, and robberies. IPSOS claims that crime rates have dropped by 29% in recent years.
The security company Verisure has recently published statistics regarding the crime rates in Leicester. The figures show that reports of serious crime have dropped by around 10,000 since 2011.*
Graham, also a local resident said “the falling crime rate is surprising considering the recent cuts to the police”
In the past year, the rate of homicide has decreased by 2%, with the police force continually working to reduce the crime rate of all crimes across the city. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) most recent police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) assessment rated the Leicestershire Police force as ‘good’, in the extent to which the force is efficient and legitimate at keeping people safe and reducing crime.
What do you think? Do you believe these statistics? Is crime decreasing in the UK? Or is this an ever-growing issue?
*https://www.verisure.co.uk/advice-and-help/crime-statistics/leicester-crime-statistics
