Research and analysis

The motivations of offenders who carry and use acid and other corrosives in criminal acts

Findings from a study that explored the motivations of offenders who carry and or use acid and other corrosive substances.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 4 February 2021

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The motivations of offenders who carry and use acid and other corrosives in criminal acts

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The motivations of offenders who carry and use acid and other corrosives in criminal acts: data tables

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Details

Household products (e.g. bleach) were most commonly used corrosive in crime, followed by ammonia and corrosives labelled as acids or alkalis. Victims and suspects were most likely to be male and between the ages of 16-24.

Five corrosive carrier groups were identified. Corrosives were carried for a variety of reasons, including the ease of availability, perceived ‘low-risk’ of possession and the ease with which they can be disguised. Corrosives were used as a weapon for several reasons, including: adaptability; versatility; and their ability to instantly incapacitate the victims.

Several preventative strategies were identified, including: increasing the effort for offenders to obtain or purchase corrosives; increasing the risks of detection for those carrying corrosives; and heightening awareness of the impact on the victim.

Published 4 February 2021