British people believe crime has spiralled over the past 10 years, poll reveals

A staggering 80% of British people believe crime has increased over the past decade with one in five claiming they no longer feel safe living in their community. The shock findings are exposed in a major new nationwide poll which reveals widespread concern about rising crime, falling trust in the police and public safety.

Many of those surveyed polled believe stronger criminal justice measures - including the death penalty - are now needed. The research - conducted by More In Common for 5 News ahead of 5's Lawless Britain season of programming, has shown that 80% of Britons believe crime has increased since 2015. Trust in the police is also at a record low with only 14% of people surveyed admitting they have "great confidence" in the police, with a lack of visible policing, understaffing and slow response times being the key reason for the distrust.

While a large majority of the public (82%) support police carrying tasers and batons, over half of those polled oppose them carrying guns.

The survey of over 2,000 people also sought views on sentencing and the Justice system. When asked if individuals caught with knives should be sent to prison, 71% of those surveyed responded yes.

Meanwhile, over half of people surveyed - 54% - supported reintroducing the death penalty for certain crimes deemed to be most heinous.

The Lawless Britain season is supported throughout the week by special reports on 5 News and a host of debates across the channel including on Jeremy Vine, Storm Huntley with Matt Allwright and Vanessa.

This essential series of programming will see crime and punishment at the forefront of the channels output including documentaries, news and current affairs coverage and a one-off drama.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer, 5 and Paramount UK said: "This season isn't just about television, it's about confronting the questions the public are already asking. People are worried. They feel let down. With Lawless Britain, we're holding up a mirror to those concerns, and giving a platform to the stories and experiences that too often go unheard."

ITN News said: Ian Rumsey, MD of Content at ITN, added: "The results of this poll will no doubt resonate with our audience as we take a closer look at the findings on 5 News and Jeremy Vine across next week, with thought-provoking discussion and reporting, that tackles the issue of crime in modern Britain."