I. Preface

In order to comprehend the crime statistics of various countries and the crime tendency in such countries, international crime statistics by ICPO, Uniform Crime Report by U.S.’ FBI and criminal statistics by Japan’s National Police Agency are gathered for compilation of “the Comparison of Statistics on Criminal Cases in Various Countries” based upon information of 26 countries.

The following analysis is merely a concise comparison based upon information of various countries and serves as a reference for National Police Administration in prescribing related policies. This is due to the following two reasons: (1) statistics cannot take account of the differences that exist between the legal definitions of punishable offences in various countries, of the different methods of calculation, or of any changes which may have occurred in the countries concerned during the reference period. All these factors obviously have repercussions on the figures supplied. (2) Police statistics reflect the crimes reported to or detected by the police and therefore cover only part of the total number of offences actually committed. Moreover, the volume of unreported crimes depends to some extent on action taken by the police, and may therefore vary from one point in the time to another and from one country to another.

Consequently, the figures given in these statistics must be interpreted with caution.

II. Comparison among statistics on criminal cases

1. All criminal cases

In 1998, England and Wales had the highest offense rate of all criminal cases among the 20 countries. The rate was 9,823.28 for per 100,000 persons. Canada had the second highest rate, which was 8,452.54 for per 100,000 persons. The rate in Germany was 7,868.88 for per 100,000 persons. The rate in Taiwan was 1,989.92 cases out of every 100,000 persons. The rate in Taiwan was the 10^th lowest and lower than England & Wales, Canada, Germany, France, U.S. (excluding fraud, counterfeit of currency offenses and drug offenses), Italy, and Spain. However, the rate in Taiwan was higher than the rate in Japan (which was 1,670.88 for per 100,000 persons) and the rate in Korea (which was 1,347.56 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved criminal cases, Taiwan had a rate of solving criminal cases of 57.91%, which was the third highest rate among the countries. The rate was next only to South Korea (87.30%) and Russia Federation (74.40%).

U.S. had the highest offender rate (including fraud, counterfeit of currency offenses and drug offenses). The rate was 5,374.96 offenders (committing crimes) for per 100,000 persons. Germany had the second highest rate, which was 2,827.16 for per 100,000 persons. Canada had the third highest rate, which was 1,907.15 for per 100,000 persons. The rate in Taiwan was 727.81 for per 100,000 persons, which was lower than U.S., Germany, Canada, South Korea, Italy, France and England & Wales but was higher than Japan (which was 310.00 for per 100,000 persons) and Spain (which was 483.69 for per 100,000 persons).

Germany had the highest percentage of female suspects to all suspects, which was 23.2%. U.S. had the second highest rate, which was 21.93%. Japan had the third highest percentage, which was 21.30%. The percentage of female suspects to total suspects in Taiwan was 16.88%, which was lower than Germany, U.S., Japan, Canada, England & Wales and South Korea but was higher than Italy (14.7%), France (14.30%) and Spain (9.28%).

Japan had the highest percentage of juvenile suspects to all suspects, which was 42.50%. Canada had the second highest percentage, which was 24.49%. England and Wales had the third highest percentage, which was 23.90%. The percentage of juvenile suspects to all suspects in Taiwan was 14.53%, which was lower than Japan, Canada, England & Wales, France and U.S. but higher than Germany (13.00%), South Korea (12.57%), Spain (5%) and Italy (2.86%). (The ranges of age for definition of juvenile are different among various countries. Please refer to “the Comparison of Statistics on Criminal Cases in Various Countries”.

2. Murder

Various countries have different definitions for murder and different degrees of attempted murder. Thus, in terms of completed murder, Russia Federation had the highest crime rate of murder (completed crime) among the 17 countries in 1998, which was 18.07 for per 100,000 persons. U.S. had the second highest crime rate of murder, which was 6.32 for per 100,000 persons. Malaysia had the third highest crime rate of murder, which was 2.73 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of murder in Taiwan (completed crime) was 1.17 for per 100,000 persons, which was the fifth lowest rate. The rate was lower than Russia Federation, U.S., Malaysia, Argentina, Canada, France, Italy, England & Wales, and Germany. The rate was higher than Spain (1.08 for per 100,000 persons) and Japan (0.58 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved murder cases, South Korea had the highest rate of solving murder cases (101.25%). Japan had the second highest solving rate (97.7%). Germany had the third highest solving rate (95.20%). Spain had the fourth solving rate (93.29%) and Taiwan’s solving rate was ranked number 5 (92.54%).

3. Rape

In 1998, U.S. had the highest crime rate of rape (gang rape) cases among the 17 countries, which was 34.20 for per 100,000 persons. England and Wales had the second highest crime rate of rape cases, which was 14.69 for per 100,000 persons. France had the third highest rate of such cases, which was 13.38 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of rape cases in Taiwan was the seventh highest (8.82 for per 100,000 persons). The rate was lower than U.S., England & Wales, France, Chile, the Netherlands, and Germany but higher than South Korea (4.38 for per 100,000 persons), Spain (3.23 for per 100,000 persons) and Japan (1.48 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of rate of solving rape cases, Taiwan had the highest solving rate, which was 92.05%. South Korea had a solving rate of 90.92%. Japan had a solving rate of 88.2%. France had a solving rate of 85.20% and U.S. had a lowest solving rate, which was 49.90%.

4. Serious assault

In 1998, Australia had the highest crime rate of serious assault among the 20 countries. The crime rate was 713.68 for per 100,000. England & Wales had the second highest crime rate of such cases, which was 405.20 for per 100,000 persons. U.S. had the third highest rate, which was 357.94 for per 100,000. The crime rate of injury cases in Taiwan was 37.30 for per 100,000, which was ranked the 8^th lowest. Taiwan’s rate was lower than the aforementioned three countries, as well as France, Canada, Germany, South Korea, and Italy but was higher than Spain (23.94 for per 100,000 persons) and Japan (15.40 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved serious assault, South Korea had the highest rate of solving serious assault, which was 99.19%. Germany had the second highest solving rate (83.60%). Japan had the third highest solving rate (81.60%). Taiwan’s solving rate was 74.65%, which was lower than the aforementioned three countries, Italy, Spain, Canada, and France but higher than England & Wales (71.00%), Portugal (60.6%), U.S. (58.50%) and the Netherlands (52%).

5. Theft (all kind of theft)

Australia had the highest crime rate of theft cases among 20 countries, which was 6,205.94 for per 100,000 persons. England and Wales had the second highest rate, which was 6,174 for per 100,000 persons. The Netherlands had the third highest rate, which was 5,302.51 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of thefts in Taiwan was the 10^th lowest, which was 1,565.56 for per 100,000 cases. Taiwan’s rate was lower than the aforementioned three countries, as well as Canada, U.S., Germany, France, Italy and Spain but higher than Japan (1,417.13 for per 100,000 persons) and South Korea (206.32 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved theft cases, Taiwan’s rate of solving theft cases was 49.44%, which was lower than South Korea (64.68%) and Russia Federation (56.10%). Japan’s solving rate was 33.50%. Germany’s solving rate was 32.60%. The solving rate of England & Wales was 21.00%. Canada’s solving rate was 18.31%. U.S.’ solving rate was 17.86%. Spain’s solving rate was 14.16%. The solving rates were 12.50% in France and 5.32% in Italy.

6. Robbery and violent theft

Spain had the highest crime rate of robbery and violent theft among 20 countries and the rate was 169.85 V 100,000 persons. U.S. had the second highest crime rate of robbery, which was 169.02 for per 100,000 persons. France had the third highest rate, which was 144.10 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of robbery in Taiwan was 14.35 for per 100,000 persons, which was the 4^th lowest. Taiwan’s rate was lower than the aforementioned three countries, as well as England & Wales, Canada, Germany, and Italy but higher than South Korea (11.74 for per 100,000 persons) and Japan (2.71 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved robbery and violent theft, South Korea had the highest rate of solving robbery and violent theft (96.37%). Taiwan had the second highest solving rate (82.67%). Japan had the third highest solving rate (76.30%). The solving rates were 49.90% in Germany, 33.30% in Canada, 28.4% in U.S., 24.58% in Spain, 23.00% in England & Wales and 19.10% in Italy.

7. Burglary and Housebreaking

The Netherlands had the highest crime rate of burglary and housebreaking among 18 countries and the rate was 3,100.40 for per 100,000 persons. Australia had the second highest rate, which was 2,338.40 for per 100,000 persons. England & Wales had the third highest rate, which was 1,832.69 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of burglary and housebreaking in Taiwan was 76.05 for per 100,000 and the rate was the 4^th lowest. Taiwan’s rate was lower than the aforementioned three countries, as well as Germany, U.S. France, Spain and Japan but higher than South Korea (6.81 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved burglary and housebreaking, South Korea had the highest rate of solving burglary and housebreaking (94.10%). Japan had the second highest solving rate (69.80%). Russia Federation had the third highest solving rate (52.00%). Taiwan’s solving rate was 23.33%, which was higher than England & Wales (19.00%), Canada (15.83%), Germany (15.6%), Spain (15.32%), U.S. (13.6%) and France (10.00%).

8. Thefts of motorcars

Switzerland had the highest crime rate of theft of motorcars among the 18 countries, which was 1,129.87 for per 100,000 persons. England & Wales had the second highest crime rate of such cases, which was 752.95 for per 100,000 persons. Australia had the third highest rate, which was 706.20 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of car thefts in Taiwan was 213.84 for per 100,000 persons, which was the 9^th lowest. Taiwan’s rate was lower than the aforementioned three countries, as well as Canada, France, Italy, U.S., and Spain but higher than Germany (137.36 for per 100,000 persons) and Japan (28.37 for per 100,000 persons)

In terms of solved car theft of motorcars, Chile had the highest rate of solving theft of motorcars, which was 63.71%. Taiwan had the second highest solving rate, which was 57.36%. The solving rates were 50.70% in Japan, 26.40% in Germany, 18.00% in England & Wales. Spain, U.S., Canada, France and Italy had lower solving rates (in sequence from high solving rate to low solving rate).

9. Fraud

Germany had the highest crime rate of fraud among 18 countries, which was 994.12 for per 100,000 persons. England & Wales had the second highest rate of fraud, which was 537.40 for per 100,000 persons. France had the third highest rate, which was 489.16 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of fraud in Taiwan was 19.67 for per 100,000 persons, which was the 2^nd lowest. Taiwan’s rate was lower than the aforementioned three countries, as well as Canada, Italy, Spain and Japan but higher than Thailand (10.60 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved fraud, Japan had the highest rate of solving fraud (92.00%). Russia had the second highest solving rate (86.60%). France had the third highest solving rate (85.33%). Taiwan’s solving rate was 39.75%, which was lower than the aforementioned three countries, as well as South Korea, Germany, Spain and Canada but higher than Italy (39.54%), England & Wales (38.00%).

10. Drug offenses

Germany had the highest crime rate of drug offenses among the 15 countries, which was 264.06 for per 100,000 persons. England & Wales had the second highest crime rate of such cases, which was 261.19 for per 100,000 persons. Canada had the third highest rate, which was 235.29 for per 100,000 persons. The crime rate of drug cases in Taiwan was 142.14 for per 100,000 persons and the rate was the 7^th highest. Taiwan’s rate was lower than the aforementioned three counties, as well as Spain and France but was higher than Italy (74.72 for per 100,000 persons), Japan (19.89 for per 100,000 persons) and South Korea (7.70 for per 100,000 persons).

In terms of solved drug offenses, France had the highest rate of solving drug offenses (104.50%). South Korea had the second highest solving rate (102.02%). Taiwan, Japan, and Spain all had a solving rate of 100%. Italy’s solving rate was 95.88%. Germany’s solving rate was 95.80%. The solving rate in England & Wales was 97%. Canada’s solving rate was 79.53%.

III. Conclusions

1. In terms of crime rate for various types of crimes, Taiwan was ranked mostly within the better half (the countries with lower crime rates) among the 20 countries. Taiwan’s crime rate was considered relatively low among various countries. However, Taiwan’s crime rate of rape cases was ranked the 7^th highest. This was due to the fact that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) set up a Sexual Assault Prevention Commission in May of 1997 to enhance the protection for victims. Thus, female victims’ self-awareness was raised and they were more inclined to report such cases. Taiwan’s crime rate of drug cases was ranked the 7^th highest. This was due to the fact that Taiwan’s police made more efforts in detecting more drug cases under the new drug prevention policy.

In terms of rates of solving all types (8 types) of crimes as a whole, Taiwan was ranked at a good position among the 17 countries. However, Taiwan’s ranking was not good for solving serious assault and fraud. This demands the government’s attention.

2. There were fewer theft cases in China, Russia Federation, South Korea and India in spite of their large population. Their rates of solving crimes were high. Thus, their statistics require further verification. In terms of countries with higher quality for statistic data such as Japan, U.S., Germany, U.K. and France, Taiwan’s crime rates for various crimes were mostly lower than U.S., U.K., France and Germany. However, Taiwan’s crime rates were higher than Japan. Especially, Taiwan’s crime rate of theft of motorcars was higher than Germany and Taiwan’s crime rates for fraud and burglary with housebreaking were lower than Japan.

Taiwan’s rates of solving most crimes were higher than U.S., U.K., France and Germany. Taiwan’s rate for solving fraud was higher only than U.K. Taiwan’s crime solving rates were higher than Japan in certain categories but lower than Japan in other categories.