Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 25 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 April 2002. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 22 April 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What assessment he has made of changes in the levels of violent crime in the last 12 months. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of changes in the levels of violent crime in the last 12 months. [47086] Mr. Denham: The latest survey of violent crime is contained in the 2001 British Crime Survey, which indicated that violent crime fell by 19 per cent. between 1999 and 2000. Recent recorded crime statistics produced by the Metropolitan Police show a rise recorded street robbery. That is why we have launched an initiative aimed at reducing the level of street crime in the 10 areas of England and Wales with the highest levels of street robbery. The programmes will focus on curbing the rise in street robberies and the number of illegally held weapons, as well as the adoption of fast track prosecutions to ensure that offenders are brought to justify speedily. The budget contained £180 million in new money and further £100 million to be drawn from the Criminal Justice Reserve. These funds will be used for extra police extra support staff, an increase in police operations and an additional 2,300 additional prison and reman places.

Secondary information