More than 280,000 crimes unrecorded last year, watchdog finds
More than 280,000 crimes went unrecorded in England and Wales last year, according to the police watchdog, with violent offences among the most commonly missed.
A new inspection report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that around 5% of all crimes reported to police in the year to March 31 were not logged as criminal offences. Although crime recording rates have risen sharply since the 1980s — with about 85% of incidents now properly recorded compared with just 50% four decades ago — inspectors said too many serious offences still go unregistered.
Violent Crime and Vulnerable Victims
The report highlighted that 9% of violent crimes were not recorded, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Offences such as harassment, stalking, controlling behaviour, and domestic violence were among those most likely to be missed.
“Violent offences still aren’t being recorded accurately enough,” HM Inspector Roy Wilsher said. “For the public to have trust and confidence in policing, they need to know that when they report a crime, the police will record it accurately and without delay.”
The watchdog stressed that failing to record such offences not only leaves victims without justice but also prevents police from identifying patterns of abuse or starting investigations quickly.
Delays in Recording
On average, only 78% of crimes were logged within 24 hours of being reported. Analysis of cases between 2021 and 2025 revealed that five police forces recorded fewer than 40% of incidents within a day. One force, unnamed in the report, recorded just 2% of crimes in 24 hours, with many taking more than a week.
The inspectorate described this as “unacceptably poor” and warned that delays could put victims at greater risk of harm.
Calls for Improvement
The report also criticised shortcomings in the recording of:
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Reports of rape and sexual assault
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Domestic violence cases
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Crimes affecting vulnerable people
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Offences classified as anti-social behaviour
Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged to halve violence against women and girls, but earlier this year the National Audit Office said the Home Office’s strategy had yet to deliver improved outcomes. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that one in eight women experienced sexual harassment, stalking, or domestic abuse in the past year.
Despite the concerns, Wilsher acknowledged progress: “We have seen significant improvements in crime recording and greater recognition of its importance. But there is still much more to do.”
