Crime figures are hiding the real story (From Warrington Guardian)

Crime figures are hiding the real story

10:39am Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Letters

WITH reference to page seven of the Warrington Midweek, Tuesday, April 17, and the article headlined ‘Crime falling’.

When local and national crime surveys announce that crime figures are falling I often think they are not giving the public a true account of crime rates in their area.

While it is very good to read that figures are falling, are readers aware that a great deal of reported crime is not even given a crime number.

Years ago when someone reported a crime of for example, theft or criminal damage, if it was less than £25 it was not given a crime number unless the person reporting the crime asked for one.

Now I believe that the Home Office has increased the amount to £50 and has, in my opinion, done this to lessen the figures relating to petty crime.

Let’s face it if a pensioner has her purse stolen with £30 inside it is a tremendous loss, especially if she is struggling to make ends meet as many are these days.

Maybe the reason why these thefts are not given a crime number is because the chances of detecting the offender are very low but this should not mean that the crime is not recorded. I would much prefer to know the total figures, not what the Home Office wishes us to know.

I strongly advise readers to ask for a crime number when they have been been victim of a crime as it is their right to do so.

When the true figures of crime in this country are published, maybe the Government will release some taxpayers’ money to employee new police officers, which would be welcomed by the public and police authorities too.

I have no axe to grind with our police service, as under very difficult conditions they are doing an excellent job.

ROBERT WILTON Penketh