During the period April 1999 to March 2000, the police in England and Wales recorded 5.3 million offenses, an increase of 3.8 percent over the previous 12 months. Eighty-three percent of the 1999 offenses were against property; 13 percent were violent crimes. Eighteen of the 43 forces recorded fewer crimes in the 12 months to March 2000. Violence against the person rose 16 percent compared to a 10 percent fall the previous year. Sexual offenses rose 4 percent and robberies increased 26 percent. Theft of vehicles fell 4 percent, while theft from vehicles fell 2 percent. Domestic burglary fell 6 percent, while non-domestic burglary fell 3 percent. Twenty-five percent of all crimes, including 59 percent of violent crimes, were cleared during 1999/2000. More than half of all detected crimes were cleared using a charge or summons, while fewer than one in six were detected with no further action taken by the police. Figures, tables, notes, appendix