source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8153392.stm

Report authors think the fall in homicides is linked to a fall in gun crime

The number of murders, manslaughters and child killings has dropped by 17% to a 20-year low, the annual crime figures for England and Wales show.

There were 136 fewer killings in 2008/9 compared to a year earlier, according to the Home Office figures.

Theft-related crime has risen in the last year, with domestic burglary up by 1% and shoplifting rising by 10%.

But overall crime is down by 5% and violent crime has fallen by 6%, and gun crime has seen a 17% fall.

The number of attempted murders is also down 7%, but attempted murders with knives is up 11%.

The British Crime Survey suggests the risk of being a victim of crime has risen from 22% to 23%.

READ THE REPORT British Crime Survey, England & Wales 2008/09 (1.2Mb) Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you might need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the reader here

The survey, which asks a sample of adults what their experiences of crime have been, shows theft from the person - handbag snatches or pickpocketing - has seen a rise of 25%.

But BBC Home Affairs correspondent Andy Tighe said the survey showed overall crime and robbery appeared to be stable.

The annual crime figures are comprised of results from the British Crime Survey and crimes recorded by the police for the 12 months up to March 2009.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the figures were "encouraging."

"But we are not complacent. As in previous years we see changing patterns of crime and we know that during economic downturns certain crimes face upward pressure, which is why we've already taken action to tackle these head-on."



intresting, well, the fall in murder's and gun crime is good news

But knife crime is still hurting this country, nearly every youth is carrying a knife. Its crazy!

knife crime is a problem, but "nearly every youth"? wtf? stupid OTT generalisation much?

well, if you get stabbed, you have much better chance of living than if youre shot.

All makes sense, theft especially in today's ecmonic climate. Just a steal what you could once afford and all that.

On the knives thing, a swap from guns to knives is a good thing if you consider people aren't carrying guns anymore but why they think they have to carry anything is beyond me. Gang mentality at it's finest (as in stupidity).

Depends on where you're hit and with what.  I mean, a 6 inch blade to the gut would be hard to survive unless paramedics get to the scene pretty damn quick.

So?  People are clearly still getting hurt, regardless the choice of weapon.

Which is why I put "but why they think they have to carry anything is beyond me." Fists can kill too, mind you. Sorting out gangs is a priority but with knives, kids like Rhys Jones won't get killed in a crossfire.