- Data from May 2009, most recent data: Further Eurostat information, Main tables and Database.
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National sources of information about crime show considerable differences in approach and coverage, which means that the measurement of crime trends at European Union (EU) level is still at an early stage. Nevertheless, this article tries to provide an overall picture. The figures are based largely on crime figures reported by the police.
Main statistical findings
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During the period between 2002 and 2007, there was a general decline in recorded crime in the EU, with the notable exceptions of drug trafficking offences (which remained almost unchanged) and violent crime (which rose, on average, by 1.6 % annually). Property offences, such as the theft of motor vehicles (down 6.8 % per annum) and domestic burglary (down 4.8 % per annum) declined relatively sharply during this five-year period, as did homicide (4.5 % lower per annum) and robbery (3.4 % lower per annum).
In a number of the Member States recorded crime figures for the period between 2002 and 2007 fell sharply; this was particularly the case in Poland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France, where crime recorded by the police fell by between 12 % and 18 %% over the five-year period considered; improved surveillance methods (such as closed-circuit cameras and alarm systems) are possible reasons for these changes. In other countries (such as Italy), crime appears to have risen noticeably, but in many cases the introduction of new recording methods makes it difficult to distinguish a definite trend.
Data sources and availability
Total crime statistics include offences against the penal (or criminal) code. Less serious crimes (misdemeanours) are generally excluded.
Homicide is defined as the intentional killing of a person, including murder, manslaughter, euthanasia and infanticide. Attempted (uncompleted) homicide is excluded. Causing death by dangerous driving, abortion and help with suicide are also excluded. Unlike other offences, the counting unit for homicide is normally the victim.
Violent crime includes violence against the person such as physical assault, robbery (stealing by force or by threat of force), and sexual offences (including rape and sexual assault). Robbery is a subset of violent crime: it is defined as stealing from a person with force or threat of force, including muggings (bag-snatching) and theft with violence; pick-pocketing, extortion and blackmailing are generally not included.
Domestic burglary is defined as gaining access to a dwelling by the use of force to steal goods. Theft of motor vehicles covers all land vehicles with an engine that run on the road which are used to carry people (including cars, motorcycles, buses, lorries, construction and agricultural vehicles, etc.).
Drug trafficking includes illegal possession, cultivation, production, supplying, transportation, importing, exporting, financing etc. of drug operations which are not solely in connection with personal use.
Context
The need to provide information on the development of crime in the EU was recognised in the Hague Programme adopted by the European Council in 2004.
The figures currently available on crime and criminal justice reflect the differing legal systems in the Member States and therefore cannot readily be compared. However, a more comparable system of crime and criminal justice statistics is being developed, as outlined in Commission communication COM/2006/437 final, ‘Developing a comprehensive and coherent EU strategy to measure crime and criminal justice: an EU action plan 2006-2010’.
Further Eurostat information
Publications
Database
- Crimes recorded by the police (crim_gen)
- Crimes recorded by the police: homicide in cities (crim_hom_city)
- Crimes recorded by the police: historical data (total crime) 1950-2000 (crim_hist)
- Police officers (crim_plce)
- Prison population (crim_pris)
- Prison population: historical data 1987-2000 (crim_pris_hist)
Dedicated section
Other information
- The Hague Programme: strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union (Official Journal C 53 of 3.3.2005, p.11)
- Commission Communication COM/2006/437 final: Developing a comprehensive and coherent EU strategy to measure crime and criminal justice : an EU Action Plan 2006-2010
External links
- Council of Europe
- Europol - European Police Office
- European Sourcebook of Crime and Criminal Justice Statistics
- Fundamental Rights Agency
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - Data and analysis