1. The bar chart (left) shows crime figures for 2011.
In order to understand the patterns of crime, the different types of crime need to be known.
Crime figures are collected from the number of crime incidents reported to the police and from the British Crime Survey results. These systems of recording crimes are not completely reliable, though. Firstly, not every crime is reported to the police, so the figures given do not always show the complete picture. Secondly, the British Crime Survey interviews 50,000 people every year but interviewees could be as young as ten, so their accounts may lack detail.
When a crime is recorded, it is classified as one of three categories:
Crimes against persons
Crimes against property
3) Other
Table 1 (left) shows how each of these categories is made up of a number of subcategories.
Homework Activity:
The bar chart (left) shows crime figures for 2011.
Calculate the total number of crimes in 2011.
For each group, calculate what % of total crimes it represents.
2. Using Table 1, sort the 2011 data in to the 3 Index
Categories. Calculate the % of crimes for each Index Category.
3. Draw a pie chart to show these percentages.
4. Describe your findings. Are there more crimes against persons than
property? Which subcategories have a higher incidence?
Suggest reasons. Make sure you include data in your answer.
5. Find an article from a newspaper or website about a crime committed
in your local area. Which category does the crime belong to? Where and
when was the crime committed? Bring a copy to the next lesson.
Be prepared to discuss it with the class.