Crime rates in England and Wales during the years 2022 and 2023 have surged to alarming levels, with police recording a significant uptick in offences. They recorded a staggering 5.5 million offences in March 2023, excluding fraud and computer misuse, marking a substantial 5 percent increase from the previous year. 

Additionally, there were 1.2 million reported fraud and computer misuse cases, reflecting a substantial 15 percent rise. Surprisingly, the percentage of crimes resulting in a charge or summons saw a slight increase, reaching 5.7 percent, compared to 5.5 percent in the previous year. 

This uptick halted the long-term downward trend since the introduction of the Outcomes Framework in March 2015, when 16 percent of crimes were resolved with a charge or summons.

Notably, the most common reason for closing cases remained the inability to identify a suspect, accounting for 39.3 percent of cases, up from 36.7 percent the previous year. However, the proportion of offences without an assigned outcome decreased from 11.2 percent during the last year to 8.0 percent in March 2023, returning to levels reported in March 2021 at 7.8 percent. 

Consistency of theft cases

Theft offences in England and Wales showed consistent patterns in the year ending March 2023. About 73.7 percent of these offences concluded with no identified suspect, similar to the previous year’s 72.0 percent. However, the charge rate slightly increased from 4.1 percent in the year ending March 2022 to 4.4 percent in the latest year. 

Sub-categories like bicycle thefts (1.3 percent to 1.5 percent), theft from the person (0.8 percent to 0.9 percent), and other theft offenses (0.9 percent to 1.0 percent) followed a similar trend. Residential burglary offences mirrored theft outcomes, with 74.2 percent closed due to no identified suspect and a slight rise in charge rates (3.4 percent to 3.9 percent).

Non-residential burglary offences saw a slight charge rate increase (6.3 percent to 7.1 percent), and 71.8 percent closed without a suspect. Vehicle thefts predominantly closed with no identified suspect (85.7 percent), with a small increase from the previous year (84.4 percent). Charge rates remained similar at 1.8 percent.

Shoplifting offences resulted in about 54.5 percent closing without a suspect, with a higher charge rate (14.2 percent). This could be attributed to accessible evidence like CCTV or offender apprehension on-site.

Mitigating the risk of theft crimes

In response to the rising theft cases in England and Wales, several solutions must be implemented to address the issue. One prominent solutive measure has been the increased deployment of law enforcement personnel in high-risk areas. 

Police presence has been augmented in neighbourhoods and commercial districts that have reported higher incidences of theft. The presence of more police may discourage potential criminals and provide a visible deterrent.

Another effective solution involves the implementation of comprehensive surveillance systems. Many businesses and residential areas have invested in state-of-the-art security cameras and alarm systems to monitor and safeguard their premises. These systems not only help in preventing theft but also aid in identifying and apprehending culprits when incidents do occur.

Additionally, technological advancements have led to the emergence of private security services like Marengo. These security firms offer various services, including manned guarding, mobile patrols, and alarm response. 

To prevent and mitigate theft, personal actions can also be taken to safeguard their homes and belongings. Start by ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked, even at home, and consider installing deadbolt locks for added security. Implementing a home security system and displaying signs indicating its presence is also a strong deterrent.