[alextingle]

There may be people who are afraid to walk about after dusk, but in the vast majority of cases their fears are unfounded. Violent crime has been plummeting in the UK for years. Even at its height, "dark alleys" were pretty safe.

Making ever more draconian laws, curtailing more and more people's freedoms will not help to alleviate these irrational fears.

[eliot_sykes]

In response to "Violent crime has been plummeting in the UK for years", we may want to bear in mind the possibility that the PR talents and ability to control the press of UK governments and police forces has been on the rise for years.

[alextingle]

The government & police do not influence the British Crime Survey, which is widely considered to be the most trustworthy measure.

[eliot_sykes]

Thanks. Links to substantiate trustworthiness and plummeting number claims would be appreciated if you have them.