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Killings are lowest in 20 years Killings are lowest in 20 years
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The number of murders, manslaughters and child killings has dropped by 17% to a 20-year low, the annual crime figures for England and Wales show.The number of murders, manslaughters and child killings has dropped by 17% to a 20-year low, the annual crime figures for England and Wales show.
Theft-related crime has risen in the last year, with domestic burglary up 1%, shoplifting rising by 10%. There were 136 fewer killings in 2008/9 compared to a year earlier, according to police figures.
Theft-related crime has risen in the last year, with domestic burglary up by 1% and shoplifting rising by 10%.
But overall crime is down by 5% and violent crime has fallen by 6%, and gun crime has seen a 17% fall.But overall crime is down by 5% and violent crime has fallen by 6%, and gun crime has seen a 17% fall.
The number of attempted murders is also down 7%, but attempted murders with knives is up 11%.
The British Crime Survey suggests the risk of being a victim of crime has risen from 22% to 23%.The British Crime Survey suggests the risk of being a victim of crime has risen from 22% to 23%.
The survey, which asks a sample of adults what their experiences of crime have been, shows theft from the person - handbag snatches or pickpocketing - has seen a rise of 25%.The survey, which asks a sample of adults what their experiences of crime have been, shows theft from the person - handbag snatches or pickpocketing - has seen a rise of 25%.
But BBC Home Affairs correspondent Andy Tighe said the survey showed overall crime and robbery appeared to be stable.But BBC Home Affairs correspondent Andy Tighe said the survey showed overall crime and robbery appeared to be stable.