Migrants given behaviour guidelines

Cambridgeshire Police say some immigrants have different "cultural" ideas about acceptable behaviour. And officers have produced a guide to behaving in Britain on the force's website.

In an introduction to the Newcomer's Guide To Policing And The Law In Cambridgeshire, Chief Constable Julie Spence said British laws may differ to laws in other countries. She adds: "We hope this information helps make your life in Cambridgeshire more comfortable, pleasant and safe."

The guide, which is available in 15 languages including Polish, Portuguese and Lithuanian - warns immigrants not to touch or fondle people without their permission, not to urinate or spit in public and that people may find it intimidating to be stared at, whistled at, shouted at or followed.

The guide also offers advice on drinking and driving, warning immigrants: "You must not attempt to drive or sit in the driving seat of the car after you have been drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs - even if the car is not moving."

The guide also warns newcomers not to "cycle on motorways". And it gives detailed advice about weapons, warning migrants: "It is against the law to be in possession of knives, gas sprays or weapons of any kind in a public place."

And the guide adds: "It is against the law at all times to have a gun without a licence (even for your own protection)." The guide also tells immigrants not to have sex with anyone without consent and warns: "Rape is an offence punishable by imprisonment for life."

Earlier, Mrs Spence complained that ministers were not taking account of the effect the rise in immigration following the broadening of the European Union was having on policing.

She said an extra burden was placed on police because laws relating to driving and the carrying of weapons were different in immigrants' host countries.

She said more than 90 different languages were now spoken in Cambridgeshire and police bills for interpreters were shooting up, adding: "While the economic benefits of growth are clear, we need to maintain the basic public services infrastructure, which means increasing the number of officers we have."