§ 15. Mr. Sean Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the percentage increase in burglaries in England and Wales in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what was the comparable figure for the 12 months ended March 1979.
§ Mr. MellorIn the 12 months to March 1979, the police recorded 8 per cent. fewer burglaries in England and Wales than in the previous 12 months. In the 12 months to September 1986, recorded burglary increased by 4.7 per cent. However, recorded burglaries fell in 1985 by 3 per cent. Too much weight should not be placed on the figures for any particular 12-month period.