Crime rates in the UK have been falling, but the reversal of policies that contributed to this trend means that ‘something will give’

Mirko Draca explains the factors behind falling crime rates in the UK, examining research he and colleagues have conducted. The evidence suggests that education and labour market policies, and increased spending on police resources are amongst the reasons for this trend. However, as the economy struggles to emerge from recession and inequality worsens, and as police budgets are curtailed, we can expect crime rates to level out and potentially rise.