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Quarterly drug offences rise 14% Drug offences show 14% increase
(10 minutes later)
Drug offences in England and Wales increased 14% in the second quarter of this year, according to statistics published by the Home Office. Drug offences in England and Wales increased 14% in the second quarter of this year, Home Office figures show.
The figures cover the three months between April and June this year, compared to the same period in 2006. There were 55,000 drug crimes recorded from April to June, up from 48,300 during the same period in 2006.
Statisticians say the increase coincided with the rise in the police use of powers to issue warnings for cannabis possession. Analysts say the rise coincided with the increase in police use of powers to issue warnings for cannabis possession.
Crime overall fell by 7% and violence against the person dropped by 8%. Crime overall fell by 7% to just under 1.3 million offences, with recorded violent offences down by 8% overall. Burglary and robbery were also down.
The figures also show a 14% drop in the most serious violent offences and falls in car theft and sex offences.
In the 12 months ending June 2007, firearms offences were down by 6%, but the number of deaths resulting from gun crime rose slightly, from 53 to 56.In the 12 months ending June 2007, firearms offences were down by 6%, but the number of deaths resulting from gun crime rose slightly, from 53 to 56.