What's happened
Recent data shows an increase in overall crime in England and Wales, with record shoplifting and fraud cases, despite a decline in homicides. Police forces report rising thefts and sexual offences, prompting government promises of increased neighbourhood policing. Experts warn the figures may underestimate true crime levels.
What's behind the headline?
The recent surge in crime figures, particularly shoplifting and fraud, signals a shift in the UK’s crime landscape. The ONS data shows a 20% increase in shoplifting and a 15% rise in theft from the person, reaching levels not seen since 2003. Meanwhile, fraud cases have surged by 31%, heavily influencing the overall crime rise to 7%. Despite a 6% drop in homicides, sexual offences remain high, with over 55,000 incidents recorded. This discrepancy suggests a complex picture: while violent crime may be declining, acquisitive and cyber-related crimes are escalating.
The government’s response, including promises of thousands more neighbourhood officers, aims to address visible crime and reassure the public. However, retail leaders warn that official statistics likely underestimate the true extent of shoplifting, which they say is a persistent problem. The data also highlights regional disparities, with London and major metropolitan areas experiencing the highest crime rates.
The contrasting trends—declining violent crimes versus rising theft and fraud—may reflect shifting criminal tactics, economic pressures, or reporting changes. The focus on fraud and cybercrime indicates a need for updated policing strategies. The figures also underscore the importance of comprehensive crime measurement, as the Crime Survey estimates are still in development and subject to revision. Overall, the data suggests that while some crime types are decreasing, others are becoming more prevalent, requiring targeted policy responses to prevent further escalation.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that total crimes increased to 9.4 million in the year ending March 2025, driven by shoplifting and fraud, despite a decline in homicides. The article emphasizes regional disparities, with London and Manchester experiencing the highest crime levels. The Mirror highlights that nearly 2% of people experienced sexual assault, and over 900,000 experienced sexual offences, domestic abuse, or stalking, with figures remaining stable from the previous year. Both sources note that official statistics may underestimate actual crime levels, especially shoplifting, which retail leaders say is underreported. The Independent also quotes Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on increased neighbourhood policing efforts, while The Mirror discusses the broader impact of VAWG (violence against women and girls) and government strategies to halve such incidents within a decade. The contrasting perspectives underscore concerns about underreporting and the evolving nature of crime, with The Independent focusing on regional data and police statistics, and The Mirror emphasizing victim experiences and policy promises.
How we got here
The latest crime statistics stem from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which combines police-recorded data and the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW). The data indicates a rise in certain crimes like shoplifting and fraud, while violent crimes such as homicides have decreased. This follows a decade-long trend of declining personal and household crimes, but recent figures suggest new challenges for law enforcement and policymakers.
Go deeper
- Why are shoplifting and fraud increasing while violent crimes decrease?
- How effective will the government's new policing measures be?
- Are official crime statistics accurately reflecting the true situation?
Common question
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What’s Behind the Rise in UK Crime and Violence in 2025?
Recent UK crime data reveals a complex picture: overall crime has increased, driven mainly by a surge in fraud and sexual violence. While some traditional crimes like knife crime and robberies have declined, issues like domestic abuse and shoplifting are on the rise. This raises important questions about what’s causing these trends and how the government is responding to protect vulnerable groups, especially women. Below, we explore the key factors behind these changes and what they mean for UK society today.
More on these topics
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The Office for National Statistics is the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, a non-ministerial department which reports directly to the UK Parliament.
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Yvette Cooper (born 20 March 1969) is a British politician who has served as Foreign Secretary since September 2025, having previously served as Home Secretary from 2024 to 2025. A member of the Labour Party, Cooper has been Member of Parliament (MP)...
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England and Wales is one of the three legal jurisdictions of the United Kingdom. It covers the constituent countries England and Wales and was formed by the Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542. The substantive law of the jurisdiction is English law.