Downturn 'is no excuse for crime'

Officers said crimes like burglary had risen recently

Police have vowed to crack down on burglaries and car thefts amid fears the economic downturn has led to a rise in crime.

Warwickshire Police said it would put extra officers on the streets during its three-month-long Operation Crunch.

It said a recent increase in a number of offences across the county was put down by some to the financial slowdown.

But the Warwickshire force said there was "no excuse" for people turning to theft and other crimes.

Earlier this month a leaked Home Office letter showed officials feared economic problems could cause a rise in crime.

The leaked draft Home Office letter to Downing Street officials said rising property crime and violent crime, and increased hostility to migrants, were likely.

Credit crunch

Ch Supt Mak Chishty, who is leading Operation Crunch, said: "The number of burglaries of people's homes and the number of cars broken into or stolen has shown an increase recently and we are not prepared to accept this.

"We are currently analysing the reasons why the number of crimes has risen recently.

"Some have suggested that the credit crunch, a problem faced by all families, is the reason.

"We say that there is no excuse and the only crunch around here will be on burglars and car criminals."