The biennial survey said public fear was not justified by the evidence in 1999, when levels of crime in almost every category fell. Burglaries fell 21 per cent in 1999 compared to 1997. The number of stolen vehicles was down 11 per cent and violent crime fell four percent. The British Crime Survey also showed a number of crime hotspots across England and Wales. Those living in Yorkshire and Humberside are most likely to be the victims of burglary followed by residents living in the northwest and then those in the East Midlands.
People living in Wales and the East of England are least likely to be targeted by intruders.
Vehicle theft is most prevalent in the Northwest followed by Yorkshire and Humberside and London. Those living in the East Midlands and in the East of England are least likely to be targeted by car thieves. Welsh people are least likely to be the victims of violent attacks. Those living in the Northwest are most in danger of suffering from violence. People living in the northeast and the southeast are also relatively unlikely to be the victims of violent attacks, the figures show.