Recession blamed as burglaries rise

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Recorded crime figures from police forces in England and Wales showed a 4% rise in domestic burglaries between October and December, while the British Crime Survey showed a 25% rise in the number of thefts.

But there was a sharp fall in the number of killings involving knives, which fell by 12%, and total recorded crime was down by 4%.

Last year a leaked draft memo from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith revealed fears inside Government of sharp rises in crime linked to the economic downturn.

Earlier this month Ms Smith launched a scheme to help improve home security with money-off vouchers for door and window locks from DIY stores.

The 4% increase in domestic burglaries - to 75,600 - is a repeat of the rise in home break-ins recorded in the third quarter. It prompted fears of a "credit crunch crime wave" linked to the rise in unemployment.

The police figures also showed a 4% increase in burglaries at business and other premises. Overall property crime was down by 4% with falls in vehicle break-ins, other thefts and criminal damage.

Police minister Vernon Coaker acknowledged the "new challenges" of burglary and other so-called acquisitive crimes.

He said: "Since 1997, overall crime has fallen by 39%, violence is down by 40% and burglary is down by 55%. Today's statistics show that overall crime is stable or falling and the risk of being a victim remains historically low.

"Violent crime, robbery, sexual offences and firearm offences continue to fall and I particularly welcome the 12% fall in knife-related murder. But we know we are facing some new challenges now and are focusing our experience and knowledge to tackle these head-on."