Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to a report by HMIC on the recording of crime, said:

“Though only an interim report, the Inspectorate’s findings are extremely serious.

“HMIC’s initial research suggests 20 per cent of crimes ‘may be going unrecorded.’ And they expose clear abuse of so-called Community Resolutions being handed out for inappropriate crimes and without the say of victims.

“Labour has long called for the Government to step in and stop Community Resolutions being used for serious crimes. This report makes it clear the Government should act now.

“Some forces have established root-and-branch reviews of their crime-recording, and duly begun recording more of the crimes reported to them. The Government should ensure all forces are working with HMIC right now to improve their systems.”