Why? Because new figures from the Home Office show that there has been a 14% rise in domestic burglaries in the past year and bucks the trend of the past five years.
Reacting to this latest set of crime statistics, Simon Reed (vice-chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales) said: "While it's pleasing that overall crime is still falling, it's extremely worrying that reported burglary statistics have risen by 14%."
In May 2009, the Police Federation warned Government that an additional 2,000 police officers would be required over the following three years to maintain the current level of service, and predicted a rise in property crime as the recession deepened.
“We take no pleasure in being right on this occasion," stated Reed, "and witnessing the dramatic rise in reported burglaries. However, more worryingly and despite our predictions, the coalition Government has cut the policing budget by 20%, which is resulting in a fall in police officer numbers and is likely to result in yet further increases in crime."
In conclusion, Reed explained: "These statistics must serve as a stark warning to Government – stop, think and urgently reconsider the 20% cuts planned for the police service. It’s not too late to take the necessary steps to stop the inevitable 'Criminal’s Charter' that cuts of this magnitude will signal, and to do what's right to ensure the safety and protection of citizens of this country.”
Of particular interest to ACPO, it seems, is the area of burglary and some other types of theft. "We'll be looking closely at both bulletins to see whether there are emerging patterns of criminality in those areas," said Murphy.
For example, the high price of metal is driving what is a significant increase in metal theft due to the price of second-hand scrap metal. This has a potentially significant impact on the UK's Critical National Infrastructure and a consequent risk to the public.
*geographical conditions apply
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