So burglary is down 54% since 1997.
Is it because we have improved security measures in the home?
Is it because the poilice are more efficient?
Is it because the thieves are becoming more moral?
No!
It"s cheaper electronic goods from China and the Far East that is forcing thieves to re-think what items are worth taking. Burglary followed a business model and it was possible to break into a house and steal a video recorder and sell that at a profit. Now prices of such goods has fallen so low as to they almost have no resale value.
I knew it wasn"t the boys in blue as I can"t remember the last time I saw one walking anywhere in this neighbourhood.
Apparently mugging is more profitable (Mobile phones etc)