Robbery trends have changed in recent years. Crime data shows an increase in robbery as well as record breaking numbers of shoplifting and rising vehicle crime. Polling shows that most people think crime is a big problem. What are industry experts saying about these trends?
Robbery Trends
Robbery offences have increased over the past year. Police recorded crime shows an upward trend in robbery, with an increase of 8% on last year’s data. As the below chart demonstrates, a long term fall in the robberies took a turn and began to increase up until the pandemic struck. During lockdown, crime data was turned on it’s head as criminals found different ways to profit from the situation. In particular arson and fraud were notably high during this period. Following this, the robbery trend has continued upwards.
Both personal and business robbery have risen – though businesses have seen the highest rise in this particular type of serious crime. It’s particularly concerning to see an increase in burglary as it involves the use or threat of violence.
Find more statistics at Statista
Vehicle Crime
Vehicle crime has also been highlighted by motoring groups as a cause for concern. The number of car thefts is almost exactly the same as the previous year (The 0.7% decrease is not enough to be “statistically significant”). This might be good news, if last year hadn’t seen the highest number of vehicle thefts in 15 years! This is not a trend anyone would like to see.
Other vehicle crime includes theft from cars which thankfully has fallen significantly. It is now 12% lower than last year. However an increase in “vehicle interference and tampering” completes the picture. This tampering and interference includes stealing parts such as plates and catalytic converters.
After falling steadily during the 2010s, the last few years have seen an alarming rise in the number of recorded crimes where vehicles are stolen with an average of 356 being taken every day of the year
RAC Spokesperson R Dennis
Despite this, Compare The Market report that one in three drivers take no additional precautions to secure their cars!
Theft & Burglary
Police recorded theft has increased by 3% to 1.8 million and shoplifting has taken a huge 30% leap compared with year ending March 2023. This is not unexpected, with numerous reports into the plight of businesses and retailers facing what the BRC describe as a crime “crisis”. Retail violence, abuse and the cost of theft have all sky rocketed along with theft.
Most of us think crime is on the rise too. New data backs up the concerns of the majority. The latest ONS report, published in July, shows that theft is rising and robbery is on the up.
‘we have seen falls in fraud while there have been increases in computer misuse and some forms of theft, such as shoplifting and theft from the person. Notably, shoplifting has continued to see increases and remains at its highest level in 20 years. In addition, robbery, offences involving knives or sharp instruments and offences involving firearms have also increased over the last year while remaining below pre-coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic levels.’
M Elkin, from ONS
What about burglary?
Overall, burglary rates are slightly lower – down 3% compared with the previous year. This is welcome news. However this comes with a caveat. Whilst attempted burglary numbers are lower, burglary with entry – where someone actually gains entry – rose by 5% when compared with the previous year. This tells us that fewer people may be attempting break ins, but they are more often successful. Deterrents such as CCTV and intruder alarm bell boxes are doing their job in putting burglars off. But setting your house alarm means that anyone brazen enough to attempt to break in is much more likely to be scared off by a sounding bell – and ultimately unsuccessful in their attempt to break in.
Buck the theft, burglary and robbery trends. Invest in security for your home and business.
Keybury Fire and Security are experts in Fire and Security for Home & Business. We specialise in the design, install and maintain CCTV, Access Control and Intruder Alarm Systems, as well as fire alarm systems. Book your free security survey today. Schedule online or contact us directly on 01535 661197 enquiries@keybury.co.uk