Crime and Vandalism

HC Deb 21 March 1985 vol 75 cc564-5W

Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement about the present level of crime and vandalism in the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

Statistics of notifiable offences recorded by the police in England and Wales in 1984 were published by the Home Office on 12 March. They show increases over 1983 of 8 per cent. overall and of 12 per cent. in offences of criminal damage. These figures are disappointing: The Government will continue to give full support to the police and other agencies engaged in combating crime, but these efforts also require full backing from the public.

Criminal statistics for 1984 for Scotland are not yet available, but those for Northern Ireland show an increase over 1983 of 4 per cent. overall, with a decrease of 3 per cent. in offences of criminal damage.