09 May 2008
The number of adult reoffenders fell 7.4% from 2000 to 2005, according to adult reoffending statistics released today (9 May 2008).
This indicates that the government is likely to have achieved its target of a 5% reduction by 2006.*
There was an 11.4% fall in the number of adult re-offences, and a 17.4% fall in the number of juvenile re-offences committed between 2000 and 2005.
The number of adult re-offences classified as serious rose from 0.78 serious re-offences per 100 offenders in 2000 to 0.88 in 2005; an increase of 0.001 serious offences per offender. The number of juvenile re-offences classified as serious fell from 0.91 serious re-offences per 100 offenders in 2000 to 0.90 in 2005.
On 7 May, Justice Minister David Hanson announced improvements to the way the government measures its performance in reducing reoffending. Statistics have been produced under the new measures for adults and juveniles over the period 2000 to 2005. These show the number of re-offences committed, and the number of re-offences which are classified as serious. This information will allow comparisons to be made over time.
Justice Minister David Hanson MP, said:
'Reducing reoffending remains a significant challenge. I am pleased that today's results indicate that we will meet and likely exceed our current target for reducing adult reoffending. With every offender who becomes an ex-offender, our streets become safer.
'Statistics published today also show a substantial reduction in the numbers of both adult and juvenile re-offences. The new measures will support our drive to tackle prolific crime by capturing more complete information. They will form the basis on which we will set demanding new targets for the future.
'I am of course concerned by the increase in adult serious reoffending since 2000, although this should be seen in the context of our policy to improve reporting of sex offences. There is still less than one serious offence per 100 reoffenders, and we are absolutely committed to reducing this further.'
Notes to editors
1. Adult reoffending statistics
2. Juvenile reoffending statistics
3. Ministerial statement announcing the new reoffending measures
4. Guide to the new reoffending measures
*This is set under the old two-year measure which takes into account how statistically likely offenders are to reoffend, based on factors such as age, gender and criminal history.