We have put together a summary of crime statistics This information is not intended to cause any unnecessary worry, but rather to acquaint you with some of the key facts and figures on crime both on domestic and business premises easily collated into one area for your ease of use. Sources of reference are listed at the end of the page.
COMMERCIAL, RETAIL and MANUFACTURING CRIME STATISTICS
Crime, and the fear of crime has a direct impact on the day to day business activities of the majority of commercial and retail organizations in the UK however large or small these businesses are. It can damage a business image, result in the loss of customers, effect and result in the deterioration of the quality of services a business can offer, which can all in turn limit turnover and restrict the development of a business.
- In 2002 the majority of retailers, 74%, had been victims of at least one crime. 70% of retailers had suffered crime against their property, 25% had been victims of burglary and 23% had been subject to at least one violent crime. (1)
- In 2002 just over half, 53%, of manufacturing businesses had been victims of at least one crime. 48% of manufacturers had experienced crime against their property, 22% had been burgled and 7% had been a victim of violent crime. (1)
- Over half of small businesses, 58%, in the UK have suffered at least one crime during 2003-2004. The most frequent are vandalism and vehicle damage. (2)
VOILENCE AT WORK STATISTICS
- Physical assaults and threats towards people who are simply doing their jobs and providing a much needed service to the public are wholly unacceptable and should not be tolerated. These incidents often have devastating consequences for the victims and their families, and real financial costs to the employers. (3)
- The estimated number of incidents of violence experienced by workers in England and Wales in 2002/3, including threats as well as physical assaults, was 849,000. (3)
- More than two-thirds of workers who had some contact with the public in 2002/3 received neither formal nor informal advice on violence or threatening behavior. (3)
- 16% of all workers in contact with members of the public were very or fairly worried about being assaulted at work. 19% were very or fairly worried about being threatened. (3)
HOUSEHOLD CRIME STATISTICS
Household burglaries facts that you may not have been aware of (5):
- Over 50% of all burglaries gain access through the front of a house
- 68% of all burglaries gained entrance via a door with over 26% of these crimes forcing a lock to gain entry
- 32% of all burglaries gained entrance through a window
- In over 50% of all burglaries damage was caused to the home
- In 69% of cases some items were stolen from the property. The most common items taken were purse/wallet/money, electrical goods, jewellery, CDs/DVDs/Videos and mobiles 16%
- In 44% of cases no-one was in the home when the burglary took place. But in 56% of cases someone was at home – over half of these people were unaware they were being burgled
- 69% of burglaries happen during the week, 31% at weekends
- 43% of burglaries happen during the day with over half of these happening during the afternoon. 57% of burglaries happen during the evening/night
- The most likely age of the burglars is 16-24 year olds, with over 82% being male
- 48% of burglars are strangers, 34% are known well by the victim and the rest are know by sight or to speak to
LOCAL CLEVELAND CRIME STATISTICS
Cleveland Police record crime statistics for the local area and for 2004/5 the crime statistics are as follows (4):
- Violence against the person 11652 incidents
- Robbery 898 incidents
- House Burglary 4572 incidents
- Other Burglary 4785 incidents
- Theft of Motor Vehicle 3616 incidents
- Theft from Motor Vehicle 6510 incidents
- Vehicle Interference 1974 incidents
- Other Theft 13274 incidents
- Criminal Damage 16941 incidents
- Forgery and Fraud 1867 incidents
- Other Crime 622 incidents
SECURITY INDUSTRY STATISTICS
Interesting facts and figures in the UK security industry (6):
- Approximately 600,000 people work in the security industry.
- There are approximately 2000 security guarding companies, employing in the region of 125,000 security officers.
- There are over 4.25 million CCTV cameras installed in the UK.
- The BSIA estimate that the turnover of UK security industry is £5.15 billion (2004).
- The security system section turnover is £615 million (2004).
Sources of information:
- Home Office Commercial Victimisation Survey 2002
- Federation of Small Businesses Cracking Business Crime Report
- British Crime Survey by Home Office and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Cleveland Police website Year-on-Year Crime Statistics (Cleveland Police Area)
- Crime Reduction Website
- BSIA – British Security Industry Association