In graphics: Crime figures 2007/08

Almost five million crimes were recorded by police in 2007/08, a fall of 9% on 2006/07.

As many crimes go unreported, the Home Office also carries out the British Crime Survey, which questions a large sample of adults on their experiences of crime.

The BCS put the total number of crimes at 10 million, a fall of 10.1% year-on-year.

The current way of gathering crime statistics began in 1981. Crime peaked in 1995 and has halved since then, according to Home Office figures.

But many people believe that crime is rising, especially nationwide. These figures suggest that while people's experience of crime is low - therefore they do not feel crime is rising in their area - fear of crime is high.

Incidence of violent crime has followed the same trend as crime in general.

The British Crime Survey suggests that people's risk of being a victim of any crime currently stands at 22%. The risk for violent crime is 3.2% but certain groups are more likely than average to become victims.