Crime Figures: 'Five Million' Fraud Cases In Past Year

There were more than five million incidents of fraud in England and Wales in the last year, estimates suggest.

The Office for National Statistics has published an estimate of fraud for the first time, based on its Crime Survey.
There were also 2.5 million cyber crime offences, such as computer hacking, the ONS estimated.
The Crime Survey indicated an 8% fall in crimes it covers. Separate data, based on reports to police, shows an overall rise in offending of 5%.

Official figures are drawn from two sources:

• The Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) - based on how many people say they have been the victim of a crime
• Police figures - based on reports of crime to police

The two sets of figures have been published together for many years to give a more rounded impression of crime levels.
The police figures suggest a 25% increase in violence, with murders at their highest level for four years.
In the 12 months to the end of June there were 569 homicides, up 44 on the same period the year before.
(culled CNN)