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Council blames credit crunch for 27 per cent increase in burglaries
Evening Standard18 Sep 2008
The credit crunch is being blamed for a rise in burglaries in a London borough.
There were 1,029 cases across Enfield from April to the end of August - an increase of 27 per cent compared with the same period last year when there were 812.
Now Enfield council has urged residents to make sure their doors and windows are locked.
Matthew Laban, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Although we do not have any solid evidence, it seems that this rise corresponds to the worsening economic situation.
"We all need to be extra vigilant over home security."
Enfield council figures revealed at least 20 per cent of burglaries last year were due to windows and doors being left either open or unlocked.
A recent survey by security website AlertME.com also found that people were worried about the effects of the economic turmoil on crime.
The survey of 1,000 adults showed that 51 per cent believed crime would increase as the economy worsened. A total of 71 per cent were "worried" about protecting their property.
Police refused to speculate on the reason for the increase.
Reader views (7)
Crime is rising because of one thing and one thing alone. The scumbags know that they have little chance of being caught and even when they do we have a pathetic judicial system run by limp wristed liberal apologists who believe it is everybody elses fault for the crime except the person who did it. Until we make prison somewhere that when you come out you swear you will never return the scumbags will continue to laugh at the majority of honest hard working people. Whatever happened to " TOUGH ON CRIME, TOUGH ON THE CAUSES OF CRIME " The biggest lie these lot ever told and they should be held to accout for their actions or lack of in this case..
- Duncan Walker, Ex Peckham now Samui Thailand, 19/09/2008 05:59
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So newly unemployed investment bankers are terrorising Enfield? Or first time buyers trying to steal enough for a deposit? How else could the credit crunch have affected the economy so quickly.
- Mark, London, 18/09/2008 18:21
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I must admit that the credit crunch is starting to bite so hard now that I am tempted to join the criminal class....! I mean, where else can I get free room and board with a playstation, HD Telly, and a whole lot of nutters pandering to my wishes to protect my "Human Rights"
I have just had a wicked thought. Why dont I sue the government for failing to respect my OAP fathers human rights and provide him with a telly etc whilst he was fighting across Korea in 52!
- Dene Wood, Grays, Essex, That little country by the sea that used to have, 18/09/2008 14:51
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How fascinating. When crime falls it is all due to the way in which our 'brave' (but usually invisible) boys in blue police the London boroughs. When crime rates rise however, it's due to the 'economic situation'. Could it possibly be that the Met believes it's own publicity too much and that the real reason has more to do with inefficient policng than anything else?
- Exmetseniorofficer, London, 18/09/2008 13:54
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Times are indeed harsh for “Billy burglar”, given that he rarely goes to prison anymore he is forced to feed himself. Bless his little cottons!
- Garry, London, 18/09/2008 13:36
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I wondered what all those redundant investment bankers where carrying out of Lehman Brothers in cardboard boxes. Now we know. The proceeds of burglaries in Enfield! Well spotted Enfield council.
- Jo, London, UK, 18/09/2008 12:00
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The real reason for increases in all crimes (that is crimes that actually happen, rather than those that are "reported")is that, for the most part, criminals have little chance of being caught and an even smaller chance of being subjected to any meaningful sanction.
Burglary can be very lucrative and is relatively risk free. Crime pays in NuLabour Britain.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 18/09/2008 11:50
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