Summary
In 2006, reports were published following independent reviews of crime statistics by the Statistics Commission and an Independent Review chaired by Professor Adrian Smith. The reviews recommended changes in the production and release of crime statistics aimed at restoring public trust. Both reviews included recommendations for changes to the presentation of the recorded crime figures, including re-defining major crime categories. The reviews also recommended exploring the feasibility of extending the scope of the British Crime Survey to include groups not currently covered e.g. children aged under 16, those living in group residences and businesses.