Non Domestic Burglary Offencess

Introducing Criminal Justice

Police recorded statistics of domestic/non-domestic burglary offences in England and Wales over the past 5 years Domestic burglary offences Non-domestic burglary offences

Year ending June 2017 235,335 187,802

Year ending June 2016 195,286 203,120

Year ending June 2015 195,816 212,272

Year ending June 2014 207,930 226,921

Year ending June 2013 223,902 231,006

Statistics taken from: www.ons.gov.uk and The National Archives

The above table shows police recorded statistics of domestic and non-domestic burglary offences in England and Wales over the past 5 years. Non-domestic burglary offences are shown to steadily decrease over the 5 years, going from a reported 231,006 in the year ending June 2013, to 187,802 in the

The act informs police of the powers they have when making an arrest. When Alex is arrested, a police officer will approach him and ensure that he knows that he is ‘under arrest’, most likely handcuff him, and read him his rights. If the officer arresting Alex feels the need to search him, he may also be searched. Once arrested, Alex will be taken into custody as soon as possible. At the police station, Alex will have to go through a process of giving important information such as name, age, date of birth etc, have his fingerprints recorded and have a photograph taken. He may then be held in a temporary jail cell before being questioned. Alex will be taken into a room to be interviewed. He has the rights to legal advice, if he wants it, and so cannot be questioned until that decision has been made. The officers (usually two) will need to make sure that Alex knows his rights, and that the information that he gives the officer/s is voluntary, and will start the tape recording the interview for evidence, ensuring that they state the exact time/date that they interview started, and the interview will proceed. After the interview, it will be decided whether Alex will be charged for the crime, and the decision of whether or not he will be released on bail or remanded into custody. A suspect can be held for up to 24 hours before they must be charged/released on bail (if there isn’t

The CPS must take into consideration many different factors. These can include sufficient evidence, mitigating circumstances, public safety etc. when determining the appropriate charge for the crime. In Alex’s case, there is various different factors that can affect the outcome of their decision. As the Walkers’ were at home, asleep at night, with a very young baby, this increases the seriousness of the crime. It was also reported that the ‘ground floor had been ransacked’, and so this also adds to the severity of the crime as a ‘factor indicating greater harm’. However, they must also take into account the circumstances that may have led to Alex burgling the Walkers’ home, for example it is stated that he has been a heroin addict for 5+ years, and unemployed and homeless (sofa surfing) for a long period of time. Alex’s case will have to go through two forms of test: the evidential test and the public interest test. The evidential test will involve the CPS ensuring that there is enough substantial evidence to be able to take the case to court. In order for Alex’s case to be able to go to the next stage, it MUST pass the evidential test. The CPS may examine evidence and victim/potential witness statements etc. The public interest test involves the CPS deciding ‘whether a prosecution is required in the public interest’, which essentially means, if the case isn’t