Western Europeans believe crime is rising despite fall in overall rates, poll finds
YouGov survey of six countries shows respondents think crime is increasing – though most trust their national police
TL;DR
- A YouGov poll indicates Western Europeans believe crime is rising, contradicting long-term statistical declines.
- Most respondents across six surveyed countries trust their national police, with Denmark showing the highest confidence.
- Britain stands out with lower national police confidence compared to other surveyed countries.
- Despite falling overall crime rates and murder rates, public perception suggests an increase in crime, including violent crime.
- Specific crime concerns varied by country, such as knife crime in Britain, drug trafficking in France, and corruption in Italy and Spain.
- Experts suggest media focus on specific crime spikes (e.g., drug violence, sexual assault reporting) eclipses the general decline in overall crime rates.