Crime in the UK.

 

The crime rate in the UK is on the decline. Crime peaked in 1994, and has been steadily falling ever since.

At the same time, certain 'crimes' are no longer investigated, and therefore presumably aren't in the equation. Small cases of theft are seldom reported, and shoplifting has almost become legalised. People know that they don't stand a chance of criminals being caught, and simply accept the fact.

But regardless of the above, it does seem to the average 'man in the street' that crime is on the increase. Maybe it is 'lawlessness' that's on the increase, but with people seemingly dressed ready to commit crime on every street corner (hoodies, masks, etc), it isn't surprising that people are taking more security measures than ever.

Criminals seem more brazen; they charge into shops firing shotguns, and cause chaos and mayhem before stealing whatever they want. Teenage shoplifters often work in large gangs and simply rush into shops and steal en masse, escaping in all directions with their arms full. Burglars knock on doors and if there's no reply they just kick the door in, and steal at leisure. There also seem to be more weapons used in crime than ever before; and that's not including knives. In a recent survey, people said they feared crime now more than they ever had in the past.

It is a very sad fact that many foreign criminals move to the UK because they can ply their trade with more ease; foreign pickpocket-gangs exploits are legendary. Even when caught they risk very little punishment. On a less serious note, Romanian begging gangs are everywhere.

OK, the number of reported crimes may have halved since 1994, but it certainly doesn't feel like it.