What is the main goal of the Crime Survey for England and Wales?

The primary goal of the Crime Survey for England and Wales is to estimate the dark figure of crimes. This term refers to crimes that are not reported to the police and therefore do not appear in official crime statistics. The survey gathers data from individuals about their experiences with crime, including those incidents that may have gone unreported. By doing so, it aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the crime landscape, beyond what is captured in police records, thereby helping to illuminate the actual level of crime in society.

This approach is particularly important for understanding trends in crime and victimization, as it highlights the discrepancies between reported incidents and the true extent of criminal activity. This information is crucial for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to develop more effective crime prevention strategies and allocate resources appropriately. The focus on estimating the dark figure enables stakeholders to better understand the full scope of criminal behavior and its impacts on communities.