September 4, 2008: Reoffending Rates: New Figures

Reoffending frequency rates fell amongst both adult and juvenile offenders in 2006, according to the latest reoffending statistics.

The new figures, just published, show that adult re-offences fell 13%, from 167.9 re-offences per 100 offenders in 2005 to 146.1 in 2006. Between 2000 and 2006, the frequency of adult reoffending fell 22.9%.

There was a 1.5% fall in the number of juvenile re-offences committed from 2005 to 2006, from 125.0 to 123.1 re-offences per 100 offenders. Between 2000 and 2006, the frequency of juvenile reoffending fell 18.7%.

The number of re-offences classified as serious remains less than 1 per 100 offenders. Adult re-offences classified as serious fell from 0.88 per 100 offenders in 2005 to 0.69 in 2006. Juvenile re-offences classified as serious fell from 0.9 serious offences per 100 offenders in 2005 to 0.83 serious offenders in 2006.

The statistics also present reoffending rates broken down by disposal. For offenders receiving a court order under probation supervision, the frequency rate reduced by 23.4% between 2000 and 2006. For offenders discharged from custody, frequency of reoffending fell 15.1% over the same period, with the greatest progress made with those serving longer sentences. The frequency of reoffending amongst those serving sentence lengths of over 12 months fell over 40%.

Minister of State for Justice David Hanson MP commented:

'We have made considerable progress in protecting the public by reducing re-offending but there is more work to be done. Credit must go to those working in prisons and probation, policing, youth justice, as well as partners, volunteers, charity groups, and all those working with offenders who have helped to achieve this.

'This work makes our communities safer. Fewer offences mean fewer victims, and that is why we will seek to maintain what has been achieved, and make further improvements. It is good to see the impressive progress which has been made in reducing reoffending amongst those serving prison sentences of over 12 months, and those under probation supervision.'

Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children and Young People, added:

 'The figures show that real progress is being made in reducing the frequency of reoffending amongst juveniles. But clearly there is more work to do and we will push forward in our efforts to reduce reoffending further. The heart of our strategy is to prevent children and young people offending in the first place. Our Youth Crime Action Plan sets out very clearly how we are engaging young offenders with mainstream services and in particular in education, training and employment.

'We have set ourselves ambitious goals in dealing with this most difficult group of offenders - many of who come from extremely troubled backgrounds. Whilst young offenders must always have to face up to the consequences of their actions, the factors that drive young people towards offending - family problems, homelessness, mental health problems and school exclusions mean that there are no easy solutions.

' Reducing reoffending is everyone's business. That is why our strategy requires parents and carers, the community, local agencies and the young people themselves to work together in partnership to tackle the risk factors associated with offending.'