LONDON, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Despite concerns of a possible increase in crime amid the ongoing recession, crime has dropped in England and Wales, figures released Thursday indicate.
The Times of London said the new figures indicate crime in England and Wales decreased by 8 percent between July and September 2009 when compared to the same time frame in 2008. The figures are based on crimes reported to police.
Among the 2009 decreases in crime were a 9 percent drop in robberies, a 5 percent drop in overall thefts and an 8 percent drop in domestic break-ins.
There were increases in certain criminal acts last year including a 3 percent increase in firearms offenses and a 5 percent increase in sexual offenses.
The Guardian said Home Office Minister David Hanson applauded the decrease in overall crime, as well as a noticeable drop in residents' concerns about anti-social behavior.
"Improving public confidence in the police and local councils is one of government's top priorities. That is why we slashed all national targets for the police, except one on public confidence, freeing them up to deliver on the crime and anti-social behavior issues that matter locally," Hanson said.
