Since peaking in 1995, crime recorded by the BCS has decreased 44 percent, representing 8.5 million fewer crimes, with vehicle crime and burglary falling by 57 percent; violent crime declined 43 percent during this period. Violent crime recorded by BCS decreased 11 percent in 2004/05 compared with the previous year. Police crime statistics showed a 7-percent increase in violent crime in 2004/05 compared with 2003/04, although this increase is partly due to the continuing effect of changes in how crime is recorded. The risk of becoming a crime victim has decreased from 40 percent in 1995 to 24 percent according to BCS interviews in 2004/05, representing almost six million fewer victims; this is the lowest level recorded since the BCS started in 1981. A chapter on trends in property crime shows that it has decreased significantly since 1995; the BCS shows a 53-percent decline between 1995 and 2004/05. Violent crime as measured by the BCS has decreased 43 percent since it peaked in 1995. The proportion of recorded crimes that were "detected" through an offender being charged or summoned, cautioned, having an offense taken into consideration, receiving a fixed penalty notice or a formal warning for cannabis possession was 21 percent; 5 percent of crimes detected were "administrative," i.e., no further action was taken. There was an increase in the proportion of crimes that resulted in a sanction between 2003/04 and 2004/05, equivalent to a 2-percent increase. Extensive tables and figures, appended recorded crime list, and a 24-item bibliography