Brown to herald new crime strategy

The Prime Minister will make a major speech warning that the changing nature of crime must be met with new methods of law enforcement.

The speech is a rare foray for Mr Brown into crime and justice and marks his latest effort to get on the front foot after a torrid period for the Government.

As well as the expenses row, the premier has been reeling in recent weeks from the "smearsgate" affair and the Gurkha veterans row.

One initiative to be announced will be allowing communities to vote on the uses to which recovered criminal assets can be put.

Some £4 million is to be made available for such projects - 3% of the £136 million seized in 2007/8 - which aides said could range from removing graffiti to providing new activities.

People would be able to vote via a website or offer their views at local policing meetings and citizen's panels.

Mr Brown will herald a new drive to seize ill-gotten gains from organised criminals, a fresh approach to tackling e-crime and a stepping up of efforts to shut down front businesses.

There will be a new programme to tackle burglary and robbery, run jointly by the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice with additional cash. Mr Brown will also promise tougher sentencing and better tracking of those released from prison.

Police reform will continue, he will say, with a more personalised and responsive service and justice through the courts sped up.