Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Friday, 28 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 February 2005. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 February 2005 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 links between media publications and fear of crime.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of links between media publications and fear of crime. [213352] Ms Blears: The 2002-03 British Crime Survey showed a relationship between newspaper readership and worry about types of crime. For example, reading tabloid newspapers regularly was a significant predictive factor of having a high level of worry about violent crime. Work continues in the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate to investigate the correlation between media reporting and fear of crime data within the British Crime Survey. In addition, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships are encouraged to engage with their local media to promote balanced reporting of stories affecting local communities.

Secondary information