Most crime, including violence, in England and Wales has fallen by 90% over the past 30 years, according to reports. However, only 6% of the public believes this, with 61% thinking crime is increasing.
This public perception is cited as a background cause of the prison overflow crisis, as politicians are said to encourage demands for higher sentences. This trend of falling crime is also observed across other western European countries.
Possible reasons for the decline in crime include longer periods in education, increased CCTV, improved security for vehicles and homes, and young people spending more time on video games. The removal of lead from petrol and abortions of unwanted foetuses are also suggested as contributing factors.
While most crime has decreased, online fraud and cybercrime are reported to be steeply rising. Official statistics from the national crime survey for England and Wales indicate that 65% of violent crime incidents result in no physical injury to the victim.