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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.
There were 136 fewer killings in 2008/9 compared to a year earlier, according to the Home Office figures.There were 136 fewer killings in 2008/9 compared to a year earlier, according to the Home Office figures.
Theft-related crime has risen in the last year, with domestic burglary up by 1% and shoplifting rising by 10%.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 number of attempted murders is also down 7%, but attempted murders with knives is up 11%.
Other violent offences were up, however, including a 5% increase in the number of women raped to 12,165.Other violent offences were up, however, including a 5% increase in the number of women raped to 12,165.
Police recorded 284,000 domestic burglaries - the first increase in six years.
The British Crime Survey suggests the risk of being a victim of crime has risen from 22% to 23%.
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British Crime Survey, England & Wales 2008/09 (1.2Mb) Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you might need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.British Crime Survey, England & Wales 2008/09 (1.2Mb) Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you might need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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Police recorded 284,000 domestic burglaries - the first increase in six years.
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.
The annual crime figures are comprised of results from the British Crime Survey and crimes recorded by the police for the 12 months up to March 2009.The annual crime figures are comprised of results from the British Crime Survey and crimes recorded by the police for the 12 months up to March 2009.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the figures were "encouraging."Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the figures were "encouraging."
"But we are not complacent. As in previous years we see changing patterns of crime and we know that during economic downturns certain crimes face upward pressure, which is why we've already taken action to tackle these head-on."But we are not complacent. As in previous years we see changing patterns of crime and we know that during economic downturns certain crimes face upward pressure, which is why we've already taken action to tackle these head-on.
"Of course statistics are only part of the picture and offer no comfort to victims which is why it is encouraging that confidence at a local level is rising with nearly half of people saying they feel the police and local agencies are dealing with antisocial behaviour and crime in their area.""Of course statistics are only part of the picture and offer no comfort to victims which is why it is encouraging that confidence at a local level is rising with nearly half of people saying they feel the police and local agencies are dealing with antisocial behaviour and crime in their area."
The latest annual crime stats do not go into detailed trends on 10 categories of serious violence.
Figures for these crimes are currently being reviewed after statisticians last year feared that some police forces were miscounting offences related to grevious bodily harm.