It is estimated that around 13 million crimes were committed in the year to September 2023 but only 71,000 jail sentences were given by judges or magistrates - the equivalent to 0.5 per cent.
New data reveals that approximately 0.5% of criminals are jailed, with the number of prolific offenders avoiding prison nearly tripling since 2007. Some offenders with over 50 convictions have been spared jail in over 50,000 cases since 2007. Campaigners are calling for tougher sentences for prolific offenders, arguing it would reduce crime.
