May 21, 2009: Reoffending Statistics Published

Adult and juvenile reoffending statistics for 2007 were published today, showing progress against the government's target to reduce adult and juvenile reoffending by 10% between 2005 and 2011.

The figures show that adult reoffences fell 11.1%, from 165.7 reoffences per 100 offenders in the baseline year, 2005, to 147.3 in 2007. This fall is less than in the previous year, reflecting a 2.3% increase in reoffending rates between 2006 and 2007. Between 2000 and 2007, the frequency of adult reoffending fell by 20.3% from 185.0 reoffences per 100 offenders in 2000 to 147.3 in 2007.

There was a 7.5% fall in the number of juvenile reoffences committed from 2005 to 2007, from 125 to 115.7 reoffences per 100 offenders. Between 2000 and 2007, the frequency of juvenile reoffending fell 23.6%.

The number of reoffences classified as serious remains less than 1 per 100 offenders. Adult reoffences classified as serious fell from 0.85 serious offences per 100 offenders in 2005 to 0.77 in 2007. This is greater than the 2006 value of 0.68 serious offences per 100 offenders. Juvenile reoffences classified as serious fell from 0.9 serious offences per 100 offenders in 2005 to 0.73 in 2007. Because of the small numbers of serious offences, these figures should be interpreted with caution.

In 2002, a target was set to reduce the proportion of offenders reoffending within two years between 2000-2006 by at least 5%. These figures show that target was exceeded, with an outturn reduction of 8.3%.

Justice Minister David Hanson MP commented:

‘Crime has fallen by almost 40% since 1997, and the chances of being a victim of crime are the lowest since records began. We are determined to do more. Last week the Prime Minister set out a wide ranging new strategy on crime, including a new programme focused on preventing burglary and robbery.'

‘To stop those who offend from returning to crime, we have committed resources to tackle the root causes of their behaviour. We have trebled spending on offender learning since 2001 and prison industries now provide 12 million hours of purposeful activity a year. Probation funding is up 70% in real terms over the last 10 years, supporting effective interventions for drug and alcohol abuse, employment, training, and basic literacy and numeracy.'

‘Crucially, this investment is delivered by prison and probation staff, police, youth workers, the third sector and other partners whose continuing commitment makes a significant difference to reducing reoffending and preventing future victims.

‘We need to continue to build on this solid progress to meet the challenging target of 10% reduction in the frequency of reoffending by 2011.’

Children and Young People’s Minister Beverley Hughes said:

‘Today's results are testament to this government's determination to tackle youth crime and to make our communities safer. The level of juvenile reoffending is at its lowest since records for the frequency of reoffending began in 2000, with the juvenile reoffending rate down by almost a quarter between 2000 and 2007. This success reflects our investment in the youth justice system and the significant reforms we have implemented over the past twelve years.

'Whilst we should be proud of our achievements, there is no room for complacency and we have much more to do. We know that some communities are still concerned about youth crime and anti-social behaviour and they must be able to have confidence in the youth justice system. We are pressing ahead with our £100 million Youth Crime Action Plan with its triple track approach of tough enforcement, prevention and early intervention and non-negotiable support for those families who need it. Through this comprehensive strategy we hope to prevent many more of our young people falling into crime and anti-social behaviour and hope to help them to lead successful lives.’